FAA Orders Thousands of Piper Aircraft to Receive Rudder Replacements

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.

Two nonfatal accidents in Anchorage, Alaska, involving Piper aircraft with rudder post failures occurring in 2020 and 2022 prompted the FAA to issue the AD.

During a comment period, the FAA received feedback from individuals and aviation groups on the AD, with several raising concerns about cost and implementation challenges. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) argued for limiting the scope or rescinding the AD altogether.  

According to the association, approximately 31,000 vintage Piper aircraft will require new rudders or an approved alternative compliance method within the next 2-10 years to maintain airworthiness. Nearly all high-wing Piper models, ranging from J-series Cubs to PA-22 Tri-Pacers will be affected.

The Short Wing Piper Club, one of the many opponents to the AD, issued the following statement on Thursday:

"The Short Wing Piper Club is deeply saddened by the issuance of AD 2025-02-11.  Many members of the aviation community came together to attempt to get a fair assessment of the situation, but in the end the FAA disagreed with factual information. They disagreed that missing equipment required by either STC or TCDS had anything to do with the only two documented failures.  

"While we are disappointed, the SWPC is moving forward with an AMOC to make this AD as palatable and affordable to the owners as possible. We have an approach that we believe will satisfy this AD and we can continue to operate these aircraft safely for many years to come.   

"We want to thank everyone that gave so freely of their time to support the efforts. That is from the media that allowed us to voice our concerns, to the AOPA, EAA, VAA, Piper Flyer, AvWeb, and the many type clubs that stepped up to support this, and of course all of the pilots and owners."

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.