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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10047 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes to get regular checks for cracks on certain wing parts to keep flights safe. If cracks are found, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these inspections might cost airlines some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems.
2026-10076 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA wants to make sure Rolls-Royce Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines stay safe by stopping certain lubrication pumps from being installed unless they meet new rules. This comes after some engines shut down mid-flight because parts failed too soon. If you own or work with these engines, you’ll need to follow these new rules soon, but no big costs are expected.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05568 — Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Volatile Organic Compounds RFD Beaufort
The EPA just gave a thumbs-up to Ohio’s new rule that limits pollution from RFD Beaufort’s life raft plant in Wadsworth. Starting April 22, 2026, the plant must keep volatile organic compound emissions under 5.9 pounds per gallon for their special glue process. This helps keep the air cleaner without costing the company extra money right now.
Next: 2026-05579 — Renaming of Restricted Areas R-3002A, R-3002B, R-3002C, R-3002D, R-3002E, R-3002F, and R-3002G; Fort Moore, GA
The FAA is updating the names of restricted airspace areas R-3002A through R-3002G near Fort Moore, GA, to reflect the base’s new name, Fort Benning. This change won’t affect airspace boundaries or how pilots use the space. The new names take effect on July 9, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or change any rules.