FAA Demands Rudder Inspections on Polish Cargo Planes Now
Published Date: 11/3/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate a Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze PZL M28 05 airplane, listen up! The FAA found damage in a key part of the rudder system and now requires a one-time inspection to check for loose bolts or cracks, fixing any problems found. This rule kicks in November 19, 2025, so get ready to act soon—safety first, and don’t forget to send your comments by December 19!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated inspection and repair costs
The FAA estimates this AD affects nine U.S. airplanes and that the required inspection costs $85 per airplane (1 work-hour x $85). On-condition costs listed include replacing bolts and nuts ($185 per product), a cable tension and rudder rigging inspection ($255), reporting ($85), and potential repairs beyond bolts and nuts estimated at up to $10,425 per product (5 work-hours $425 plus $10,000 parts).
Mandatory rudder inspection before flight
If you own or operate a Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Model PZL M28 05 airplane, you must do a one-time inspection of Frame No. 29 and the rudder control unit mounting bracket for loose or damaged bolts and for cracks before further flight. The inspection must follow Service Bulletin No. E/12.152/2025, be done with a thorough cleaning and a 10x magnification with a high-powered light, and the AD is effective November 19, 2025.
Special flight permits prohibited
The AD explicitly prohibits special flight permits for the affected airplanes. That means you may not use a special flight permit to fly the airplane (for example, to a maintenance facility) when subject to this AD.
Reporting and follow-up inspection requirements
If you find damage to bolts or nuts during the inspection, you must report the damage to Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze within 10 days after the inspection or 10 days after the AD effective date, whichever is later, and perform a cable tension and rudder rigging inspection. If damage extends beyond bolts and nuts, repairs must be done before further flight using a method approved by the FAA, EASA, or the manufacturer's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
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Key Dates
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