Federal Register #2026-09576

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directives for Pilatus PC-24 and Diamond DA 40 Series Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing new airworthiness directives (ADs) for specific aircraft models to address safety concerns: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. (OEM for PC-24 aircraft) - Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. (OEM for DA 40 series aircraft) - European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (referenced for compliance procedures) - Products/Services Requested: - For Pilatus PC-24: - Modification and replacement of the solid-state relay (SSR) in the left-hand windshield heating system - 125 aircraft require SSR and cable replacement; 43 aircraft require SSR replacement only - No specific SSR part numbers provided - For Diamond DA 40 series: - Inspection and corrective actions for passenger door latching mechanisms and safety hooks - Includes flight manual revisions, inspections, force measurements, placard modifications, and replacement of gas springs and door parts as needed - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with EASA AD 2026-0008 for Pilatus PC-24 modifications - Actions are required to prevent failure of emergency windshield heat (Pilatus) and passenger door separation during flight (Diamond) - Estimated impact: 168 U.S.-registered Pilatus PC-24 airplanes - No specific part numbers or quantities for Diamond DA 40 series provided - Locations: - FAA offices in Westbury, NY and Kansas City, MO - U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations in Washington, DC

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes due to a report that a solid-state relay (SSR) in the left-hand windshield heating system may allow reverse current flow when off. The proposed AD requires modification of the airplane and replacement of the affected SSR with a serviceable part to address this unsafe condition. The unsafe condition could lead to failure of the emergency windshield heat function, resulting in loss of outside visibility. Comments on this proposal are due by June 29, 2026.

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