Federal Register #2026-06599

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Piaggio P-180 and Airbus AS355 Aircraft – Inspections and Corrective Actions

This opportunity concerns new FAA airworthiness directives for Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes and Airbus Helicopters AS355 series: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (Type Certificate previously held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) - Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. - Airbus Helicopters (for AS355 series) - Products/Services Requested: - For Piaggio P-180: - Repetitive visual and non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections of the vertical stabilizer assembly - One-time NDT inspection of the vertical stabilizer assembly - Corrective actions (repair or replacement) if corrosion or cracks are found - Compliance with Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 800493, Revision 0 - For Airbus AS355 series: - Repetitive inspections of vertical upper fin spars per EASA AD 20230154R1 - Prohibition on installation of certain upper fin assemblies - Notable Requirements: - All inspections and repairs must follow FAA and EASA-approved instructions - Terminating action for repetitive inspections is available if specified service material actions are completed - Applies to specific serial numbers/models as outlined in the directives - Locations: - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch (Des Moines, WA; Kansas City, MO) - FAA Aviation Safety Engineer Office (Westbury, NY) - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations (Washington, DC) - Purpose: - To prevent reduced structural integrity and potential loss of control due to corrosion or cracks in critical airframe components

Description

This final rule airworthiness directive (AD) issued by the FAA addresses corrosion and cracks affecting the vertical stabilizer of certain Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes. The AD requires repetitive visual and non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections, a one-time NDT inspection, and corrective actions if damage is found. It also provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections if certain service material actions are completed. The AD aims to prevent reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, which could lead to reduced control of the airplane.

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