FAA Orders More Checks on Swearingen Aircraft Trim Systems
Published Date: 10/27/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate certain Ontic Engineering airplanes (models like SA226 and SA227), listen up! The FAA found problems with the pitch trim actuator that could cause trouble during flight. Starting December 1, 2026, you’ll need to regularly check, fix, or replace these parts to keep flying safe—so plan for some inspections and possible repairs that might cost time and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Travel-time checks and replacement thresholds
You must measure pitch trim actuator travel time at the initial compliance time; if either actuator rod fails the travel-time criteria, you must replace the actuator before further flight. If both rods meet the criteria, you must repeat travel-time measurements at intervals that vary by part number: for many DL5040M5 installations intervals are not to exceed 250 flight hours or 6 calendar months; for DL5040M6 or DL5040M8 (and some replacement conditions) intervals are not to exceed 300 flight hours or 6 calendar months.
Mandatory inspections, sealing, and replacement
If you own or operate affected Ontic airplanes (models SA226 and SA227 with Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M5, DL5040M6, or DL5040M8), you must inspect the pitch trim actuator rod ends, replace actuators with cracked/missing/compromised sealant in some cases, and apply sealant per the referenced Ontic service bulletins. These actions are required beginning December 1, 2026 and are intended to prevent moisture intrusion and actuator failure.
Required inspection and sealing schedule
You must inspect pitch trim actuator rod ends within 1,000 flight hours or 6 calendar months since the actuator was put into service, or within 30 days after December 1, 2026, whichever occurs later. After that inspection, you must repetitively inspect and seal the actuator every 1,000 flight hours or every 12 calendar months, whichever occurs first.
FAA cost and fleet impact estimates
The FAA estimates this AD affects 198 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA estimates inspection or travel-time measurement will take 3 work-hours at $85/hour, i.e., $255 per airplane per inspection cycle, totaling $50,490 per inspection cycle across the U.S. fleet. The FAA also provides on-condition cost estimates for sealing and replacement in the rule's cost tables.
Installation and return-to-service sealing rule
As of December 1, 2026, you may not install a pitch trim actuator unless, upon installation, you follow the Service Bulletin Step 2.C Return-to-Service procedures (which require applying sealant after installation, rigging, and adjustment before returning the airplane to service).
No special flight permits allowed
Special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 are not allowed for these airplanes under this AD, effective December 1, 2026. That means you cannot use special ferry permits to fly affected airplanes prior to complying with the AD's requirements.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21888, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting October 23, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to stop fishermen from catching more than the allowed limit of 3,080 metric tons this year. This affects all vessels using pot gear in that area and helps keep the fish population healthy. The closure lasts until December 31, 2026, making sure the rules are followed and the fishery stays sustainable.
Next: 2026-21920, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022-Criteria for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) Background Checks of Firearm Handlers
Starting November 27, 2026, licensed gun sellers (FFLs) can voluntarily use the FBI’s background check system (NICS) to screen current or future employees who handle firearms. This new rule helps stop illegal gun sales and keeps communities safer without adding costs. It’s a smart step to make sure people working with guns are checked properly before they get the job.