FAA Proposes Stricter Checks for Pilatus PC-6 Airplane Safety
Published Date: 4/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Pilatus airplane owners and operators, listen up! The FAA wants to update safety rules for several PC-6 models by adding stricter maintenance checks and inspections to keep flights safe. Comments are open until May 21, 2026, so get ready to review and possibly spend a bit on extra inspections to keep your aircraft flying strong.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
New life limits for pitch trim relay
The proposed AD explicitly adds life limits for the control column pitch trim relay and requires incorporating those life limits into the ALS/maintenance program as specified in EASA AD 2025-0281. The FAA says failure to accomplish the required revisions could result in failure of certain parts and loss of airplane control.
30-day deadline instead of 12 months
The FAA would require operators to revise the ALS and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program within 30 days after the effective date of the FAA AD, replacing EASA's 12-month revision window. The initial compliance time for tasks is either the applicable limitations/thresholds as incorporated or within 30 days after the FAA AD's effective date, whichever is later.
Must revise maintenance limits fast
If you own or operate a Pilatus PC-6 series airplane, the FAA would require you to revise the airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of your aircraft maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations, tasks, thresholds, intervals, and life limits as specified in EASA AD 2025-0281. The FAA would require this incorporation to be recorded in the aircraft records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
Who can do the paperwork and record it
The proposed AD allows the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate to perform the ALS revision required by this AD and requires the action to be entered into aircraft records showing compliance under 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
Estimated paperwork cost: $85 per airplane
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 30 U.S.-registered airplanes and that revising the ALS would take 1 work-hour at $85 per hour, for an estimated cost of $85 per airplane and $2,550 on U.S. operators in total.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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