2025-10-10 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.: Amendment 39-23044; Docket No. FAA-2025-0208; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00555-A.

(a) Effective Date

     This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 7, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

     This AD replaces AD 2023-26-05, Amendment 39-22648 (88 FR 90091, December 29, 2023) (AD 2023-26-05).

(c) Applicability

     This AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0181R1, dated September 24, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0181R1).

(d) Subject

     Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2721, Rudder Tab Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

     This AD was prompted by a determination that the titanium threaded bolts installed at the forward end of the short rudder trim tab actuating rods could be subject to unexpectedly high oscillating loads due to aerodynamic forces acting on the rudder trim tab. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the titanium threaded bolts with consequent damage to the rudder and rudder trim tab, which could result in loss of rudder control and reduced or loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

     Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

     Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2024-0181R1.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0181R1

     (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0181R1 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

     (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0181R1 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.

     (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2024-0181R1 specifies ``as required by EASA AD 2023-0219-E'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``as required by AD 2023-26-05.''

     (4) Where the material identified in EASA AD 2024-0181R1 specifies to ``discard'' certain parts, this AD requires replacing that text with ``remove from service.''

     (5) This AD does not adopt the Remarks section of EASA AD 2024-0181R1.

(i) 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, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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. Only Global AMOC letter 731-24-00656, dated July 24, 2024, approved for AD 2023-26-05, is approved as an AMOC for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(j) 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.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

     (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2024-0181R1, dated September 24, 2024.

     (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 Emergency 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.