{"id":"F2006B11257","name":"AD/M20/52 - Aileron Control Link","slug":"ad-m20-52-aileron-control-link","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":57033,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B11257-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/M20/52 - Aileron Control Link","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nMooney M20 Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/M20/52 Aileron Control Link 2/99\n\nApplicability: Models M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, and M20L, all serial numbers; and,\n\nModel Serial Number\n\nM20J 24-0001 through 24-3359\n\nM20K 25-0001 through 25-1999\n\nM20M 27-0001 through 27-0197\n\nM20R 29-0001 through 29-0042\n\nRequirement: 1. Visually inspect the aileron control links (left-hand and right-hand) at the second 90-degree angle joint from the Heim bearing for the installation of a reinforcement gusset. Accomplish the inspection in accordance with the Instructions section of Mooney Engineering Design Service Bulletin (SB) M20-264. If a reinforcement gusset is installed, no further action is required by this Directive.\n\n    2. If a reinforcement gusset is not installed, inspect the aileron control links for cracks using magnetic particle methods. Accomplish this inspection in accordance with the Instructions section of Mooney Engineering Design SB M20-264.\n\n    If cracks are found, before further flight, replace the cracked aileron control link with an aileron control link of improved design. Accomplish this replacement in accordance with the Instructions section of Mooney Engineering Design SB M20-264.\n\n    b. Replacing both aileron control links with links of improved design may be accomplished at any time as terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement of this Directive, but must be accomplished before further flight on any aileron control link found cracked.\n\nNote: FAA AD 98-24-11 Amdt 39-10897 refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Unless already accomplished, within 100 hours time in service after 25 February 1999.\n\n2. Before further flight if required after accomplishment of the Requirement 1 inspection, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 February 1999.\n\nBackground: The FAA received reports of failures of the aileron system control links. Failure of the aileron control link(s) could result in loss of aileron control and consequent loss of control of the aircraft.\n\nCOMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Airworthiness Directive maintains its original narrow scope: addressing a specific mechanical failure mode in specific aircraft models. The document remains focused on the aileron control link inspection and replacement requirements without expansion into unrelated systems or broader operational matters."},"complexity_factors":["Single technical subject matter (aircraft component inspection)","Clear sequential logic (if-then-else structure): check for gusset → if absent, check for cracks → if cracked, replace","Only 7 defined model/serial number applicability ranges","Two compliance deadlines (initial 100 hours, then recurring 100 hours)","Single cross-reference to FAA AD 98-24-11 for background context","No nested exceptions or conditional sub-clauses beyond the basic inspection flow","Document length: approximately 300 words"],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of certain Mooney M20 series aeroplanes to inspect the aileron control links for a reinforcement gusset. If absent, perform magnetic particle inspection for cracks and replace any cracked links with a redesigned part before further flight; optionally replace both links with improved parts to stop recurring inspections.\n\nIt matters because link failure can lead to loss of roll control and a possible crash."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Directive is narrowly targeted at preventing failure of the aileron control links on specified Mooney M20 aircraft. It does not broaden the subject matter beyond that original safety aim; it prescribes inspections, a testing method, and replacement or a terminating modification. There is no substantive expansion of scope beyond the original intent to mitigate control-link failures."},"complexity_factors":["Short, single-issue directive focused on a single component (aileron control link)","Applicability defined by model list plus four discrete serial-number ranges","Two-step requirement: visual check for gusset (Requirement 1) then conditional magnetic-particle crack inspection (Requirement 2)","Clear terminating action (replace both links with improved design) that ends repetitive inspections","Fixed compliance intervals (initial within 100 hours after specified date; repeat at ≤100 hours) and an immediate 'before further flight' requirement if a crack is found","Cross-reference to an external service bulletin (Mooney SB M20-264) for procedural detail and to FAA AD 98-24-11"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this directive does (mechanically)\n\n- Applies to Mooney M20 series aeroplanes: models M20B, C, D, E, F, G, L (all serial numbers), and specific serial-number ranges for M20J, M20K, M20M and M20R (see \"Applicability\").\n\n- Requires owners/operators to inspect the aileron control links (left and right) at the second 90° bend from the Heim bearing to check whether a reinforcement gusset has been fitted (\"Requirement 1\"). The inspection must follow the Mooney Engineering Design Service Bulletin SB M20-264 instructions.\n\n- If a reinforcement gusset is not fitted, requires a crack inspection of the same link using magnetic particle inspection methods (non‑destructive testing). If any crack is found, the cracked link must be replaced with an improved‑design aileron control link before the aircraft is flown again (\"Requirement 2\"). Replacement must follow SB M20-264.\n\n- Replacing both aileron control links with the improved design at any time terminates the need for the repetitive inspections required by this Directive.\n\n- Compliance timing: the initial inspection must be done within 100 hours time in service after 25 February 1999 if not already done. If a crack is found, replacement is required before further flight; otherwise the magnetic particle inspection is repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.\n\n**Who this affects\n\n- Aircraft owners/operators and operators' maintenance organisations for the listed Mooney M20 models and serial-number ranges. \n- Maintenance technicians (those who must perform the visual and magnetic particle inspections and fit replacement parts). \n- Parts suppliers (manufacturers/suppliers of the improved‑design aileron control links and any reinforcement gussets).\n\n**Why it matters (official rationale and practical effects)\n\n- The directive is issued in response to reported failures of the aileron control links (the Civil Aviation Safety Authority cites FAA reports). The claimed safety risk is that a failed aileron control link could lead to loss of aileron control and possible loss of control of the aircraft. That is the stated purpose (see Background and the FAA AD cross-reference).\n\n- Practical effects and trade‑offs:\n  - Who pays: owners/operators pay for inspections, non‑destructive testing (magnetic particle inspection), and any replacements or part upgrades. There is also aircraft downtime while inspections or replacements are carried out.\n  - Who decides: the aircraft operator must arrange compliance; certificated maintenance personnel perform and certify the inspections and any replacements. The Directive prescribes the method (SB M20-264) and timing, leaving limited operational discretion.\n  - Behaviour changes: routine maintenance practices for affected aircraft must include the specified visual checks and, where necessary, magnetic particle inspections at specified intervals or termination by installing improved links. Operators may choose to replace both links proactively to avoid recurring inspections.\n  - Costs vs benefits: the safety benefit is concentrated (directly reduces the risk for operators of affected Mooney models). Costs are also concentrated on those operators—expenses include inspection labour, test equipment/use, parts and potential expedited shipping. Maintenance providers and parts manufacturers may see additional demand.\n  - Implementation risks and logistics: availability of improved‑design links (parts supply), access to qualified magnetic particle inspection capability, and aircraft downtime are the main practical constraints. If cracks are found, the aircraft cannot be flown until replacement is made, which can cause operational disruption.\n  - Effects on private enterprise and markets: the Directive constrains operator choice (must follow the inspection and replacement rules). It creates predictable demand for maintenance work and replacement parts, which benefits independent maintenance organisations and parts suppliers. It does not reassign ownership or regulate operational use beyond safety compliance.\n\n**Where the directive comes from (source claim)\n\n- The AD follows an FAA Airworthiness Directive (FAA AD 98-24-11) and is presented as responding to FAA reports of control‑link failures. That stated safety concern is the reason given for imposing inspections, crack testing, and mandatory replacement when a crack exists.\n\n**Implementation reference**\n\n- All required inspection and replacement procedures are to be done in accordance with Mooney Engineering Design Service Bulletin SB M20-264, which the Directive cites as the instruction source."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-m20-52-aileron-control-link","history":"/api/acts/ad-m20-52-aileron-control-link/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-m20-52-aileron-control-link/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-m20-52-aileron-control-link/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-m20-52-aileron-control-link/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-m20-52-aileron-control-link/documents"}}