FAA Orders Thousands of Piper Aircraft to Receive Rudder Replacements

Agency has issued a final airworthiness directive for a specific series of the manufacturer's airplanes.

Friday, February 14, 2025 at 04:00 PM ET

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The FAA has issued a final airworthiness directive (AD) requiring the replacement of rudders on specific Piper series aircraft. [Credit: AVweb/Creative Commons, Share Alike 4.0]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD), effective March 20, mandating the replacement of 1025 carbon steel rudders on specific Piper aircraft with more durable 4130N low-alloy steel due to concerns about fatigue and corrosion following two nonfatal accidents.
Approximately 31,000 vintage high-wing Piper aircraft, including J-series Cubs to PA-22 Tri-Pacers, will be affected by this AD, requiring compliance within 2-10 years.
Aviation groups like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Short Wing Piper Club have opposed the AD, citing significant cost and implementation challenges, with the Short Wing Piper Club now working on an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC).

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The FAA has issued a final airworthiness directive (AD) requiring the replacement of rudders on specific Piper series aircraft.

The AD, effective March 20, addresses safety concerns stemming from reports of rudder failures due to fatigue and corrosion in rudder posts made from 1025 carbon steel. Under the new requirements, these components must be replaced with more durable 4130N low-alloy steel rudders.