FAA Enforces Immediate King Air 350 Wing-Spar Directive from August 10
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a fresh airworthiness directive (AD 2026-15-05) specifically for Textron Aviation’s King Air 350 and 350C fleet. This rule, effective from August 10, 2026, intensifies the mandatory inspection intervals for the wing spar and wing-to-fuselage attach structure on 113 U.S.-registered B300 and B300C aircraft. The directive necessitates operators to inspect for potentially hazardous cracks with increased frequency.
This issue was self-reported by Textron Aviation. The company found that its own Airworthiness Limitations Manual contained incorrect inspection intervals for aircraft operating at the heavier 16,500-pound maximum takeoff weight variant of the King Air 350. Textron’s updated Structural Inspection and Repair Manual (SIRM) now establishes separate inspection schedules for both the 15,000-lb and 16,500-lb variants, based on flight hours.
Considering some operators are already overdue under the corrected intervals, the FAA bypassed the standard public comment period. Invoking the “good cause” exception, the FAA expedited the rule. Certain models are facing a 25-hour or 30-day compliance clock, indicating immediate action is necessary. Aviation safety experts are urging any King Air 350 operator to contact their maintenance provider without delay.
Source: GlobalAir.com – King Air 350 Wing-Spar AD