FAA Mandates Flap Checks on Rare Italian Turbo-Props
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or fly a Baykar Piaggio P-180 airplane, listen up! The FAA found some wear and tear on the flap transmission shafts that could cause trouble. Starting April 27, 2026, you’ll need to inspect these parts for damage and fix any problems to keep flying safe and sound—no surprise costs mentioned, just safety first!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory P‑180 flap shaft inspection
If you own or operate a Baykar Piaggio Model P-180 with serial numbers 1002, 1004–3016, or 3018, you must inspect the outboard and inboard flap transmission shafts (#1 and #7) and the LH inboard shaft (#7) and pneumatic pipe. The inspection must be done within 220 hours time-in-service after April 27, 2026, and includes checking for chafing or damage and measuring specific gaps as described in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0.
Estimated inspection and repair costs
The FAA estimates the initial inspection will take 28 work-hours at $85/hour for a cost of $2,380 per airplane, affecting 98 U.S.-registered airplanes for a total estimated cost of $233,240. On-condition work can include repetitive inspections ($2,380 per inspection), wing rib rework ($3,400 per rework), pneumatic pipe repair ($1,700 per repair), or replacement of all four flap transmission shafts (labor 20 hours plus parts $21,282, total $22,982).
No manufacturer reporting required
Although the Piaggio service bulletin specifies submitting certain information to the manufacturer, the FAA AD explicitly does not include a requirement to submit those reports. You do not have to send the specified data to Piaggio as part of complying with this AD.
Approved repair authority broadened
For repairs where the service bulletin would have required contacting Piaggio, this AD allows operators to contact the FAA Manager, International Validation Branch; EASA; or Piaggio's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for approved repair instructions. If the DOA approves a repair, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
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