FAA Mandates New Safety Updates for Pilatus PC-24 Airplanes
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own a Pilatus PC-24 airplane, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance manual with new safety rules to keep flying safe. This update replaces last year’s rules with even stricter ones to fix some safety concerns. You’ve got until March 9, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might mean some extra work, it’s all about keeping your plane in top shape.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Risk: Part Failure Could Cause Loss of Control
The FAA states the unsafe condition involves possible failure of certain parts (including aileron and rudder trim actuators, nose landing gear assembly, and fuselage inspections), and failure to follow the required ALS revisions could result in loss of control of the airplane. The proposed AD addresses those unsafe conditions.
Must Revise Maintenance Limits Quickly
If you own a Pilatus PC-24 airplane, the FAA proposes you must revise the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of your aircraft maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new or more restrictive tasks and limits. The rule requires this revision to be done within 30 days after the effective date of the FAA AD and follows the actions specified in EASA AD 2025-0211 dated September 26, 2025.
Shortened Compliance Deadline
The FAA requires revising the approved maintenance or inspection program within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, instead of the 12-month window specified in the corresponding EASA AD. This accelerates the time Pilatus PC-24 owners/operators have to incorporate the new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations.
No Unapproved Alternative Intervals Allowed
After you incorporate the required ALS changes, no alternative actions, thresholds, intervals, or life limits are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the EASA AD's referenced publications section. Operators cannot use alternate maintenance intervals without formal approval.
Estimated Paperwork Cost Per Airplane
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 167 U.S.-registered Pilatus PC-24 airplanes and that revising the ALS will take 1 work-hour at $85 per hour, costing $85 per airplane and $14,195 across U.S. operators. That estimate covers the revision action (no parts cost listed).
Pilot May Perform Required Revision
The AD allows the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate to perform the ALS revision and requires the revision to be entered into aircraft records per 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The recordkeeping must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
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