AD 2007-16-03 Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This AD applies to all Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-PC, and SA227-TT airplanes, all serial numbers, that: (1) are certificated in any category; and (2) are equipped with pitch trim actuator Barber-Coleman part number (P/N) 27-19008-001, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-002, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-004, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-005, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M5, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6, or Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8.

To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: (1) For airplanes with a Barber-Coleman pitch trim actuator P/N 27-19008-001, P/N 27-19008-002, P/N 27-19008-004, or P/N 27-19008-005: Before further flight after September 25, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-19-15), incorporate the text in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD into the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved airplane flight manual (AFM). The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may insert the information specified in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of this AD into the AFM Limitations Section. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. Make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (i) “Limit the maximum indicated airspeed to maneuvering airspeed (Va) as shown in the appropriate airplane flight manual (AFM)”; and (ii) “The minimum crew required is two pilots.” Note 1: Fairchild Service Letter 226-SL-017, Fairchild Service Letter 227-SL-033, and Fairchild Service Letter CC7-SL-023, all FAA Approved: August 26, 1998; Revised: September 2, 1998, address the subject matter of this AD. Note 2: The before further flight compliance time of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD is retained from AD 98-19-15 R1. Note 3: Installation of any FAA-approved pitch trim actuator other than the Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-001, P/N 27-19008-002, P/N 27-19008-004, or P/N 27-19008-005 terminates the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. (2) For all airplanes: Do the following actions at the times specified in the initial inspection or overhaul column and the repetitive inspection or overhaul column in table 1 of this AD: (i) For airplanes equipped with a Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator P/N DL5040M5, P/N DL5040M6, or P/N DL5040M8: Measure the freeplay of the pitch trim actuator and inspect the pitch trim actuator for rod slippage using the INSTRUCTIONS section of Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series Service Letter (SL) 226-SL-005 or Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL 227-SL-011, both Revised: August 3, 1999; or Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series Service Letter CC7-SL-028, Issued: August 12, 1999, as applicable. (ii) For airplanes equipped with Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators P/N 27-19008-001, P/N 27-19008-002, P/N 27-19008-004, or P/N 27-19008-005: Do a functional inspection of the pitch trim actuator using the INSTRUCTIONS section of Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series SL 226-SL-014, Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL 227-SL-031, or Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL CC7-SL-021; all Revised: February 1, 1999; as applicable. Note 4: The actions in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (e)(2)(ii) of this AD are the same as the actions in AD 2000-03-17. The only difference between this AD and AD 2000-03-17 is the addition of life limits to Barber-Coleman pitch trim actuators P/N 27-19008-001, P/N 27-19008-002, P/N 27-19008-004, or P/N 27-19008-005. (iii) For airplanes equipped with Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators P/N 27-19008-006 or P/N 27-19008-007: Overhaul the pitch trim actuator following the applicable maintenance manual. (3) For all airplanes: Before further flight, replace the pitch trim actuator following the applicable maintenance manual when any of the following occurs: (i) The pitch trim actuator is inspected following paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (e)(2)(ii) of this AD and the freeplay limitations are exceeded, rod slippage is found, or a ratcheting sound occurs, as specified in the applicable service letters; or (ii) The installed pitch trim actuator reaches its repetitive replacement time as specified in table 1 in paragraph (e)(4) of this AD. (4) Table 1 below presents the pitch trim actuators that could be installed and the compliance times for the initial inspections or overhaul, repetitive inspections or overhaul, and repetitive replacements required by this AD: Table 1.—Inspection/Overhaul and Replacement Requirements for Pitch Trim Actuators Condition Initial inspection or overhaul Repetitive inspection or overhaul Repetitive replacement (i) For all affected airplane models (except for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC) that have an original Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator, P/N DL5040M5, installed Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the pitch trim actuator or within 50 hours TIS after April 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 93-15-02 R1), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 250 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(i) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 5,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator, 500 hours TIS after the initial inspection, or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (ii) For all affected airplane models (except for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC) that have a replacement Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator, P/N DL5040M5, installed Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 5,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 50 hours TIS after April 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 93-15-02 R1), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 300 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(ii) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 6,500 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (iii) For all affected airplane models (except for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC) that have a replacement Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator, P/N DL5040M6, installed. This part can be new, modified from a P/N DL5040M5 pitch trim actuator, or overhauled and zero-timed Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 7,500 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 50 hours TIS after April 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 93-15-02 R1), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 300 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(iii) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 9,900 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (iv) For all affected airplane models (except for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC) that have a replacement Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator, P/N DL5040M5, installed that was overhauled and zero-timed where both nut assemblies, P/N AA56142, were replaced with new assemblies during overhaul Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 5,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 50 hours TIS after April 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 93-15-02 R1), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 300 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(iv) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 6,500 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (v) For all affected airplane models (except for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC) that have a replacement Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M5 pitch trim actuator installed that was overhauled and zero-timed where both nut assemblies, P/N AA56142, were not replaced with new assemblies during overhaul Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 3,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 50 hours TIS after April 17, 1995 (the effective date of AD 93-15-02 R1), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 250 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(v) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 5,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (vi) For all affected airplane models (except for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC) that have a newly fabricated or overhauled and zero-timed Barber-Colman pitch trim actuator, P/N 27-19008-001, P/N 27-19008-002, P/N 27-19008-004, or P/N 27-19008-005 Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this AD before accumulating 500 hours total TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 50 hours TIS after December 1, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-23-01), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this AD before accumulating 300 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(vi) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6, Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 5,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (vii) For the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC that have a Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator P/N DL5040M5 or P/N DL5040M6 installed None None Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006 or P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 1,500 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (viii) For the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC that have a newly fabricated or overhauled and zero-timed Barber-Colman pitch trim actuator, P/N 27-19008-001, P/N 27-19008-002, P/N 27-19008-004, or P/N 27-19008-005 Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this AD before accumulating 500 hours total TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 50 hours TIS after December 1, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-23-01), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this AD before accumulating 300 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(viii) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 5,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (ix) For all affected airplanes with a Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator, P/N DL5040M8, installed Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 7,500 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within the next 50 hours TIS after April 10, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-03-17), whichever occurs later Inspect following paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD before accumulating 300 hours TIS after the initial inspection and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS until accumulating the hours TIS specified in paragraph (e)(4)(ix) Repetitive Replacement column of this AD Replace the pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M8, Barber-Coleman P/N 27-19008-006 or P/N 27-19008-007, or an FAA-approved equivalent pitch trim actuator before accumulating 9,900 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator or within 30 days after September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later. (x) For all affected airplanes with a Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-006 or 27-19008-007 pitch trim actuator installed Overhaul following paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD before accumulating 2,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator Overhaul following paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD before accumulating 2,000 hours TIS on the pitch trim actuator No replacement requirements. (5) For all airplane models except Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC: As of September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), do not install as a replacement any of the following pitch trim actuators or FAA-approved equivalent P/Ns: (i) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-001; (ii) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-002; (iii) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-004; (iv) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-005; or (v) Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M5. (6) For all airplane Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC: As of September 7, 2007 (the effective date of this AD), do not install as a replacement any of the following pitch trim actuators or FAA-approved equivalent P/Ns: (i) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-001; (ii) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-002; (iii) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-004; (iv) Barber-Colman P/N 27-19008-005; (v) Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M5; or (vi) Simmonds-Precision P/N DL5040M6. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Material Incorporated by Reference (g) You must use the service information specified in table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) On April 10, 2000 (65 FR 8037, February 17, 2000) the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in table 2 of this AD under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact M7 Aerospace LP, 10823 N. E. Entrance, San Antonio, Texas 78216. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Table 2.—Material Incorporated by Reference Service Letter (SL) Date Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series SL 226-SL-005 Revised: August 3, 1999. Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL 227-SL-011 Revised: August 3, 1999. Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL CC7-SL-028 Issued: August 12, 1999. Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series SL 226-SL-014 Revised: February 1, 1999. Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL 227-SL-031 Revised: February 1, 1999. Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL CC7-SL-021 Revised: February 1, 1999. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 27, 2007. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-15018 Filed 8-2-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of mechanical failure of the pitch trim actuator causing the horizontal stabilizer to move to full aircraft nose up. We are issuing this AD to detect excessive freeplay or rod slippage in the pitch trim actuator, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in pitch trim actuator failure. We are also issuing to lessen the severity of pitch upset if a pitch trim actuator mechanical failure occurs. These conditions could lead to possible loss of control. In addition, we are issuing to eliminate the use of certain pitch trim actuators that require frequent critical inspections or replacements.