FAA Mandates Pilatus Plane Software Fix for Errant Stall Alerts
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Pilatus PC-12/47E airplane owners need to update their stall warning system software because it’s been acting up at the wrong times. The FAA wants these updates done soon and will also ban the old software from being installed again. This keeps pilots safe and avoids unexpected warnings, with comments on the plan due by May 4, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory SWPS Software Update
If you own or operate a Pilatus Model PC-12/47E (serial numbers 1720 and 2001 through 2476), the FAA proposes you must update the Honeywell Primus Apex operational software to fix the stall warning protection system (SWPS) engaging when not appropriate.
Estimated Compliance Costs and Scope
The FAA estimates the proposed AD would affect 265 U.S.-registered airplanes. Estimated per-airplane costs are $255 (3 work-hours at $85/hour) to update software and $85 (1 work-hour) to revise the POH, for aggregate estimated costs of $67,575 and $22,525 respectively.
Ban on Reinstalling Affected Software
The proposed AD would prohibit installing the affected version of the operational software on the applicable Pilatus PC-12/47E airplanes to prevent the SWPS from activating inappropriately.
Pilot-Allowed POH Revision Exception
The proposed AD allows an owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate to revise the pilot's operating handbook (POH) by inserting POH Temporary Revision No. 32 and to log that action in the aircraft maintenance records as required by 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05330, Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date
The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about how poultry growers get paid and handle big expenses. Instead of starting July 1, 2026, these changes won’t kick in until December 31, 2027. This gives everyone more time to think things over and share their thoughts before the rules take effect.
Next: 2026-05401, Publication or Submission of Quotations Without Specified Information
The SEC is updating rules for brokers and dealers about sharing stock price quotes outside big exchanges. Now, the rules will only apply to equity securities (stocks), making things clearer and simpler. If you’re in the business, get ready to comment by May 18, 2026, and keep an eye on how this might affect your quoting process and paperwork.