1AD/PA-31/97 Amdt 2 - Horizontal Stabiliser and Elevator Outboard Hinge

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes

AD/PA-31/97

Amdt 2

Horizontal Stabiliser and Elevator Outboard Hinge 13/99

Applicability: Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31-350 T1020, and PA-31P-

350, with serial numbers listed in Piper Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 1007.

Requirement: 1. With the elevator fully deflected up and down and using a 10x magnifying glass, perform a detailed visual inspection of the elevator outboard hinge, the horizontal stabiliser rear spar at the elevator outboard hinge attachment and the spar radius forward of the hinge for cracks.

2. If no cracks are found as a result of the above inspection, continue to inspect in accordance with Requirement 1.

3. If cracks are found in the horizontal stabiliser as a result of the Requirement 1 inspection, modify the horizontal stabiliser rear spar in accordance with Requirement 4.

4. Modify the horizontal stabiliser rear spar by incorporating Piper Kit No. 766-646, in accordance with the Instructions contained in Piper Kit No. 766-646, which is referenced in Piper MSB 1007.

Compliance with requirement 4 constitutes terminating action for this AD.

Note: FAA AD 99-06-01 Amdt 39-11065 refers.

Compliance: 1. Within 100 hours time in service after 30 December 1999, unless Requirement 4 is accomplished.

2. At intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service, until accomplishment of Requirement 4.

3. Before further flight.

4. Upon the accumulation of 500 hours time in service after 30 December 1999, or when cracks are found, whichever occurs first.

This Amendment becomes effective on 30 December 1999.

Background: Cracks were found in the horizontal stabiliser rear spar at the elevator hinge attachment point. Piper Service Bulletin 687 was introduced to inspect the rear spar and install modified hinges. Amendment 1 extended on-going repetitive inspections to aircraft with modified elevator hinge attachments as a result of local reports of cracked modified hinges.

Amendment 2 is issued as a result of a new FAA AD which requires installation of the Stabiliser Rear Spar Modification and Outboard Hinge Replacement Kit, in order to prevent possible failure of the horizontal stabiliser rear spar, which could result in loss of control of the aircraft.

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY