FAA orders corrective action on Pilatus PC-24 windshield heating

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) 2026-17-11 requiring corrective action on Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes to address an unsafe condition in the windshield heating system. The final rule, published in the Federal Register of September 15, 2026, becomes effective on October 20, 2026.

The directive was prompted by a report that a solid-state relay used in the left-hand windshield heating system may allow reverse current flow when in the OFF position. If not addressed, the unsafe condition could result in failure of the emergency windshield heat function, which could lead to the loss of outside visibility.

Scope and Applicability

The AD applies to Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-24 airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0008, dated January 15, 2026. The subject is classified under Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3040, Windshield/Door Rain/Ice Removal.

The rule is issued under the FAA’s authority in 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and 44701, and amends 14 CFR part 39. It is identified as Amendment 39-23455, Docket No. FAA-2026-4632, Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00036-A.

Required Actions and Compliance

Operators must comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2026-0008, unless already done. The FAA directive introduces two exceptions to the EASA text:

• Where EASA AD 2026-0008 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of the FAA directive.
• This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2026-0008.

The directive includes no reporting requirement, even though the referenced EASA material specifies submitting certain information. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) may be approved by the Manager of the International Validation Branch, FAA, under the procedures of 14 CFR 39.19.

Contact and Reference Material

For more information, operators may contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590, phone (816) 329-4059. The incorporated material, EASA AD 2026-0008, is available from EASA in Cologne, Germany, and may be viewed at the FAA’s Airworthiness Products Section in Kansas City, Missouri, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

The rule was issued on August 21, 2026, and signed by Paul R. Bernado, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate, though the manufacturer notes some costs may be covered under warranty, reducing the impact on affected operators.

Why It Matters

This directive underscores the FAA’s cross-border coordination with EASA on safety issues affecting aircraft operated in the United States. For owners and operators of Pilatus PC-24 aircraft, compliance by the October 20, 2026 effective date is mandatory, and failure to address the windshield heating defect could compromise emergency visibility in flight.

Source: Federal Register, Vol. 91, No. 177, September 15, 2026, Rules and Regulations, p. 58365 (official reference: AD 2026-17-11, Amendment 39-23455, FR Doc. 2026-18848).