AD 2026-05-10 Airworthiness Directives; Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) Airplanes

Models named: P-180. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) Model P-180 airplanes, serial numbers 1002, 1004 through 3016, and 3018, certificated in any category.

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

(1) Within 220 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect the outboard and inboard flap transmission shafts (#1 and #7) at the crossing holes and openings on wing rib 440 and inspect the left-hand (LH) inboard flap transmission shaft (#7) and the pneumatic pipe for chafing or any damage (surface abrasions, grooves or rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or transfers). Additionally, measure the gaps between the outboard and inboard flap transmission shafts (#1 and #7) and their respective crossing holes and openings on wing rib 440, and the gap between the LH inboard flap transmission shaft (#7) and the pneumatic pipe. Perform these actions in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, steps (10) and (11) in Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) 80-0498, Revision 0, dated August 2, 2024 (Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0). (2) If chafing or any damage (surface abrasions, grooves or rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or transfers) (referred to as discrepancies) is found during the inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, perform any rework, repair, replacement, and repetitive inspections, as applicable, as specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) through (iv) of this AD. (i) If no discrepancies are found or discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in Case 1 of paragraph 14 of Part A, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0, no further action is required by this AD. (ii) If discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in Case 2 of paragraph 14 of Part A, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0, accomplish the actions of paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(A) and (B): (A) Repetitively perform the inspections of paragraph (g)(1) at intervals not to exceed 220 hours TIS until the rework required by paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD is done. (B) Within 660 hours TIS after the initial inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, rework the wing rib(s) 440 (LH part number (P/N) 80-201367-001, right-hand (RH) P/N 80-201367-002) in accordance with Steps 14 through 21 of Part A and Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0. (iii) If discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in Case 3 of paragraph 14 of Part A, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0, accomplish the actions of paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(A) and (B): (A) Repetitively perform the inspections of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS until the rework required by paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(B) of this AD is done. (B) Within 220 hours TIS after the initial inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, rework the wing rib(s) 440 (LH P/N 80-201367-001, RH P/N 80-201367-002) in accordance with Steps 14 through 21 of Part A and Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0. (iv) If discrepancies are found that meet the criteria in Case 4 of paragraph 14 of Part A, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0, before further flight, perform the following: (A) Rework the wing rib(s) 440 (LH P/N 80-201367-001, RH P/N 80-201367-002) in accordance with Steps 14 through 21 of Part A and Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0. (B) Repair the pneumatic pipe (P/N 80-207493-401 ) in accordance with Steps 22 through 42 of Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0. (C) Replace any damaged transmission shaft with an airworthy one. (3) If clearance cannot be obtained during Steps 21, 41, or 42 of Part B, paragraph B. PROCEDURE/MODIFICATION, of the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section in Piaggio SB 80-0498, Revision 0, as required by paragraphs (g)(2)(ii)(B), (g)(2)(iii)(B), or (g)(2)(iv)(B) of this AD, contact the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Piaggio's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) for approved repair instructions, and before further flight, perform the repair. If the repair is approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

This AD was prompted by a report of chafing in the flap transmission shafts. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address chafing or any damage (surface abrasions, grooves or rubbing tracks, and metallic smears or transfers) in the flap transmission shafts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could affect the integrity of the flap transmission, which could lead to reduced control of the airplane.

None.