FAA Proposes Flap Shaft Checks for Piaggio P-180 Planes
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or fly a Piaggio P-180 airplane, the FAA wants you to check the flap transmission shafts for any wear or damage to keep things safe. They’re asking for inspections and fixes if needed, all to prevent problems while flying. Comments on this plan are open until January 26, 2026, so get ready to act soon and keep your plane in top shape!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory flap-shaft inspections within 220 hours
If you own or operate a Piaggio P-180 in the affected serial-number range, you must inspect flap transmission shafts #1 and #7 within 220 hours time-in-service after the AD's effective date for chafing or damage and measure specified gaps. Depending on findings, you may need repetitive inspections at intervals not to exceed 110 or 220 hours TIS, rework the wing ribs within 220 or 660 hours TIS, repair pneumatic piping, or replace damaged transmission shafts before further flight.
FAA cost estimate for initial inspection
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 98 U.S.-registered P-180 airplanes. The initial inspection is estimated at 28 work-hours × $85/hour = $2,380 per airplane and $233,240 total for U.S. operators.
Estimated on-condition repair and replacement costs
If discrepancies are found, the FAA estimates on-condition costs as: repetitive inspection $2,380 per inspection; wing rib rework $3,400 per rework; pneumatic pipe repair $1,700 per repair; replacement of all four flap transmission shafts $22,982 (includes $21,282 parts). The FAA did not estimate how many airplanes will need these actions.
AD applies to specific P-180 serial numbers
This proposed AD applies only to Piaggio Model P-180 airplanes with serial numbers 1002, 1004 through 3016, and 3018. If you own one of those serial-numbered airplanes, the inspection and corrective-action requirements apply to your airplane.
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