Freestream Aircraft
Embraer Phenom 300

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

FAA mandates Phenom 300 stabiliser inspection, effective 6 July

FAA has finalised an airworthiness directive on the Embraer Phenom 300. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on 1 June 2026. It becomes effective on 6 July 2026.

The directive applies to certain Embraer S.A. Model EMB-505 airplanes. That type designation covers the Phenom 300, Phenom 300E and Phenom 300MED. The rule was prompted by ANAC AD 2025-04-01, issued on 15 April 2025 by Brazil's civil aviation authority. ANAC is the state of design for the type.

The AD follows reports that some Phenom 300 airplanes may have invalid horizontal-stabiliser backlash test results, due to incorrect procedures during production or maintenance. The FAA states that excessive backlash could result in an aeroelastic phenomenon. That phenomenon could expose surrounding structure and systems to unacceptable vibration levels. The condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

The mandated action is an inspection of left-hand and right-hand horizontal-stabiliser backlash. Operators must then replace, as applicable, the LH and RH hinge-point attachment parts. They must also replace the LH or RH pitch-trim actuator rod-end attachment parts, and the pitch-trim actuator itself, where measurements require it.

For Phenom 300 owners and Part 91 flight departments, the AD sets a compliance window tied to the 6 July effective date. The published rule lists the affected serial numbers, the threshold and grace periods for the inspection, and approved methods of compliance. Owners should confirm with their Embraer service centre whether their aircraft is in scope, and schedule the work before the deadline.

Source: FAA AD 2026-10854, Federal Register, 1 June 2026; ANAC AD 2025-04-01, 15 April 2025.


Also today

Sixth Circuit voids $39m excise tax on fractional management fees

The Sixth Circuit has reversed a $39m excise-tax judgment against Flight Options. The 27 May 2026 ruling holds that the 7.5% federal ticket tax under IRC Section 4261 applies to per-flight usage charges, not fixed monthly management fees for hangar, maintenance, insurance, pilot salaries and programme administration. The court found that the levy reaches charges 'for transportation by air', rather than the cost of running a fractional programme. It is the first federal circuit to so hold. The decision creates a split with the Fifth Circuit's 2016 Flexjet ruling. The IRS had been auditing the industry under a 2004 internal memorandum that reversed its prior position.

Source: Sixth Circuit opinion, Flight Options LLC v. United States, 27 May 2026; Corporate Jet Investor.

FAA proposes Pilatus PC-24 windshield-heating SSR retrofit

FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive on certain Pilatus PC-24 airplanes. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on 13 May 2026. It addresses a solid-state relay in the left-hand windshield heating circuit. The relay can allow reverse current flow when switched off. On a dual generator failure, that reverse flow could disable emergency windshield heat, with loss of forward visibility through fog or ice. The proposed action is replacement of the SSR with a serviceable part, mirroring EASA AD 2026-0008 of 15 January 2026. The FAA accepts written comments on the docket until 29 June 2026.

Source: FAA NPRM 2026-09576, Federal Register, 13 May 2026; EASA AD 2026-0008.