AD 2011-05-07 Airworthiness Directives; Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. Models G-164, G-164A, G-164B, G-164B With 73″ Wing Gap, G-164B-15T, G-164B-34T, G-164B-20T, G-164C, G-164D, and G-164D With 73″ Wing Gap Airplanes

This AD applies to the following Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc. model airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category: Models         G-164 G-164A G-164B G-164B with 73″ wing gap. G-164B-15T G-164B-20T G-164B-34T G-164C. G-164D G-164D with 73″ wing gap

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.   Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Drill an access hole and do a visual inspection using a borescope of the lower end internal cavity of the rudder main spar tube for corrosion and do a visual inspection of the exterior of the rudder main spar tube for corrosion Initially inspect within the next 30 days after March 17, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), unless already done within the previous 60 months. Repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 months from the last inspection Following Steps 1 through 3 of Grumman American Aviation Corporation Ag-Cat Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977. (2) If corrosion is found during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, repair in accordance with Chapter 4 of FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, Chg 1, dated September 27, 2001, or replace the damaged part(s) Before further flight after any inspection in which corrosion is found As specified in Steps 5 and 6 of Grumman American Aviation Corporation Ag-Cat Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977, and following Chapter 4 of FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, Chg 1, dated September 27, 2001, which can be found at http://rgl.faa.gov/ . (3) After each inspection, repair, or replacement required in this AD, corrosion protect the spar tube internal cavity by filling with warm, raw linseed oil, Paralketone, or CRC3 (LPS Heavy Duty Rust Inhibitor Type 3), or suitable equivalent protector for alloy steel, and allow to drain. Seal access hole with Scotch caulking compound, a suitable silicone based sealant, or equivalent Before further flight after each inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and after each repair or replacement required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD As specified in Step 4 of Grumman American Aviation Corporation Ag-Cat Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977. (4) Verify rigging check of the rudder Before further flight after each inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and after each repair or replacement required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD Following Ag-Cat Maintenance Manual pages 6-14 through 6-16, copyright 1978; or Ag-Cat G-164D Maintenance Manual pages 6-24 and 6-29, copyright 1995, as applicable. (5) Only install a rudder that has been inspected as specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, is found free of corrosion, has had the corrosion protection applied, and has been sealed as specified in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD As of 30 days after March 17, 2011 (the effective date of this AD) Not applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. Related Information (h) For more information about this AD, contact Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; phone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370; e-mail: andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov . Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Grumman American Aviation Corporation Ag-Cat Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977; Ag-Cat Maintenance Manual pages 6-14 through 6-16, copyright 1978; and Ag-Cat G-164D Maintenance Manual pages 6-24 and 6-29, copyright 1995, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of Grumman American Aviation Corporation Ag-Cat Service Bulletin No. 61, dated June 6, 1977; Ag-Cat Maintenance Manual pages 6-14 through 6-16, copyright 1978; and Ag-Cat G-164D Maintenance Manual pages 6-24 and 6-29, copyright 1995, on December 19, 2008 (73 FR 67372, November 14, 2008). (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Allied Ag Cat Productions, Inc., 301 West Walnut Street, P.O. Box 482, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72479; telephone: (870) 886-2418. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust St., Kansas City, Missouri 64016. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 17, 2011. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-4160 Filed 3-1-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of the rudder main tubular spar failing and our determination that the previous compliance times specified for Models G-164, G-164A, and G-164B airplanes do not adequately address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the rudder main tubular spar, which could result in failure of the rudder main spar tube. This failure could lead to loss of directional control.