2026-07-10: Rudder Control System

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2023-11-05, Amendment 39-22451 (88 FR 38382, June 13, 2023); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-07-10 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-23305; Docket No. FAA-2026-0022; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01575-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2026. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2023-11-05, Amendment 39-22451 (88 FR 38382, June 13, 2023) (AD 2023-11-05). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Codes 2710, Aileron Control System; 2720, Rudder Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a revision to the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) introducing new and more restrictive instructions and maintenance tasks. These include revisions to various fuselage section inspection intervals and aileron and rudder trim actuator inspection intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure revision of the ALS of the existing AMM or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) for your airplane. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of certain parts, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0211, dated September 26, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0211). (2) The actions required by this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0211 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0211 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not adopt paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2025-0211. (3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0211 specifies "Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP", this AD requires replacing that text with "Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness limitations section of your existing aircraft maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and your existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable". (4) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0211 is on or before the applicable limitations and associated thresholds as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0211 or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (5) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0211. (i) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals After the action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has been done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including any life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the "Ref. Publications" section of EASA AD 2025-0211. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) 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. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0211, dated September 26, 2025. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (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 April 10, 2026. Christopher R. Parker, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-07246 Filed 4-13-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P