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).
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