2026-06-05: Vertical Stabilizer Structure

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-06-05 Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.): Amendment 39-23294; Docket No. FAA-2026-0019; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00293-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 11, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) Model P-180 airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 1002, 1004 through 3016, and 3018, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5530, Vertical Stabilizer Structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion and cracks affecting the vertical stabilizer. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer and the rudder with consequent reduced control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 660 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 26 months, whichever occurs first, do the applicable repetitive visual and non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections of the parts of the vertical stabilizer assembly for evidence of damage to the protective finish, corrosion, and cracking, in accordance with section 2.B, PART A, items (i) through (vii) as applicable, of Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0493, Revision 0, dated November 21, 2024 (Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0). Where Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, states that subsequent inspections shall be performed in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual inspection program chapter 05-20-00, this AD does not require those actions. Table 1 to Paragraph ( g )(1)-Compliance Times P-180 Serial No. Compliance time (hours TIS or calendar time, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD) 1002, 1004 through 3016 Within 220 hours TIS or 13 months. 3018 Within 660 hours TIS or 26 months. (2) Within the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, do the applicable one-time NDT inspections of the parts of the vertical stabilizer assembly for evidence of damage to the protective finish, corrosion and cracking, in accordance with section 2.B, PART A, items (viii) and (ix), as applicable, of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0. (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD any corrosion or cracking is found, before further flight, accomplish the applicable corrective action(s), including post-repair inspections, in accordance with the instructions of section 2.B, PART B, of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0. (4) Where the Accomplishment Instructions, section 2.B, PART B, step (49) of Piaggio SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, state to contact Piaggio to obtain an approved repair design approval sheet (RDAS) and accomplish that repair accordingly including post-repair follow-on actions(s), as applicable, before further flight, contact either the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Piaggio's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for approved repair instructions and, within the compliance time specified therein, accomplish those instructions accordingly, including post-repair follow-on action(s), as applicable. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (h) Terminating Action Accomplishment of any action identified as "terminating action" for a given inspection in section 2.B, PART B, of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections, as applicable, required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for that airplane. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although certain steps of Piaggio Aerospace SB 80-0493, Rev. 0, specify to submit inspection findings to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local Flight Standards District Office/certificate holding district office. (k) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (816) 329-4059; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0493, Revision 0, dated November 21, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Piaggio Aerospace material identified in this AD, contact Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A., P180 Customer Support, via Pionieri e Aviatori d'Italia, snc-16154 Genoa, Italy; phone: +39 331 679 74 93; email: technicalsupport@piaggioaerospace.it . (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on March 19, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-06599 Filed 4-3-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P