Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes
Published Date: 7/14/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or fly certain Textron Aviation Model 408 airplanes, heads up! The FAA now requires updated inspections for the horizontal and vertical stabilizer spars to catch cracks early. These changes kick in August 18, 2026, and mean updating your maintenance manuals and inspection plans—keeping your plane safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Required Manual Update and Deadline
If you operate a Textron Model 408 airplane (serial numbers -0012 through -0051), the FAA requires you to revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of your aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) or instructions for continued airworthiness and your approved maintenance/inspection program. You must make this revision within 150 hours time-in-service or within 12 months after the AD’s effective date (August 18, 2026), whichever occurs first.
New Required Spar Inspection Interval
The AD requires detailed inspections of the horizontal and vertical stabilizer forward and aft spars at an interval of 1,600 flight hours for affected Model 408 airplanes (serial numbers -0012 through -0051). Guidance for accomplishing these inspections is in Textron Aviation Service Letter SL408-04-01, dated December 8, 2025.
Compliance Cost Estimate to Operators
The FAA estimates this AD affects 28 U.S.-registered Model 408 airplanes and that revising the ALS will take 1 work-hour at $85 per airplane (parts cost $0), costing $85 per product and $2,380 total for U.S. operators.
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
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-14148 — Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period, and Request for Comment on the Draft Tiered Environmental Assessment for SpaceX Starship Reentry Contingency Operations in the Pacific Ocean and Additional Starship Landing Trajectory
The FAA is asking for your thoughts on SpaceX’s plan to add new emergency landing spots for its Starship rocket over the Pacific Ocean. This means SpaceX could safely land in more places if something goes wrong during reentry, including a new area in the Northern Pacific. You’ve got until July 27, 2026, to share your comments—no money changes yet, but this could shape future space travel safety!
2026-14147 — Operating Limitations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport
The FAA is extending the current limits on how many flights can take off and land at Chicago O'Hare Airport until October 30, 2027. This affects airlines flying in and out of O'Hare, as ongoing construction means fewer flights can be scheduled to avoid delays. The extension starts October 25, 2026, and could impact airline schedules and planning through next year.
2026-14110 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Bombardier airplanes, including some new models that weren’t covered before. Owners must follow stricter maintenance checks to keep their planes safe, starting August 18, 2026. These changes help prevent problems but might mean a bit more work and cost for operators.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14090 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes to fix a mistake in a previous manual update. Pilots must revise their flight manuals with the corrected procedures to keep flying safe. This change starts July 13, 2026, and won’t cost much but is super important for safe flights.
Next: 2026-14110 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Bombardier airplanes, including some new models that weren’t covered before. Owners must follow stricter maintenance checks to keep their planes safe, starting August 18, 2026. These changes help prevent problems but might mean a bit more work and cost for operators.