Airworthiness Directives; Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion and cracks affecting the vertical stabilizer. This AD requires repetitive visual and non- destructive testing (NDT) inspections, a one-time NDT inspection of the vertical stabilizer assembly, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of corrective actions. In addition, this AD provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections if certain actions of the service material are accomplished. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.