FAA to Diamond Pilots: Secure Those Doors Before They Fly Away!
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Diamond Aircraft DA 40 series planes to update their flight manuals and check their passenger doors because some doors have come loose during flights. Pilots and owners will need to inspect, fix, or replace door parts to keep everyone safe. Comments on this plan are open until June 29, 2026, and these fixes might cost some time and money but will stop scary door problems in the sky!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory AFM Changes and Door Inspections
If you operate a Diamond Aircraft Model DA 40, DA 40 F, or DA 40 NG, the FAA proposes you must revise the airplane flight manual (AFM) and perform inspections and modifications of the passenger door latching and safety hook areas. The rule requires the AFM revision and initial inspections within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 100 days after the AD's effective date and adds repetitive inspections and corrective actions per the Diamond Aircraft work instruction.
Estimated Compliance Costs and Affected Fleet
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 987 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA's cost estimates include $85 per airplane for the AFM revision, $331 per airplane for the initial inspection, and $85 per inspection for repetitive inspections; the FAA also lists on-condition replacement costs for parts.
Handle-Force Measurements and Gas Spring Rules
The AD requires measuring the passenger door handle actuation force and sets specific thresholds: 1.8 kg (18 N), 2 kg (20 N), and 6 kg (60 N). If the measured force is less than 1.8 kg and a prior measurement was 2–6 kg, you must repeat inspections every 100 hours TIS until you replace the gas spring within 12 months; if the measured force is less than 1.8 kg and the prior measurement was greater than 6 kg or less than 2 kg, you must replace the gas spring before further flight.
Pilot Exception to Revise AFM
The proposed AD lets the owner/operator who holds at least a private pilot certificate revise the AFM and record compliance in the maintenance records. That AFM revision action may be done by the pilot rather than requiring a certified mechanic.
No Manufacturer Reporting Required by AD
Although the Diamond Aircraft work instruction and service bulletin ask operators to submit execution reports to the manufacturer, this proposed AD explicitly does not require submitting those reports. Operators are not required by this AD to report inspection findings to the manufacturer.
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.
2026-09972 — 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.
2026-09953 — 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.
2026-09971 — 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.
2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!
2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09524 — Begin Actual Construction in the New Source Review (NSR) Preconstruction Permitting Program
The EPA is updating rules about when companies can start building big projects that might affect air quality. Now, they can begin building parts that don’t release pollution before getting a full air permit, making things clearer and easier. This change mainly affects businesses planning major construction and could speed up projects without extra costs, but comments are due by June 29, 2026.
Next: 2026-09576 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-24 airplane owners need to fix a windshield heater problem that could cause electrical issues. The FAA wants to replace a faulty part called a solid-state relay to keep flights safe. Comments on this fix are open until June 29, 2026, and the update might cost some time and money but keeps everyone flying worry-free.