AD 2013-16-01 Airworthiness Directives; Beechcraft Corporation and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation

Makes named: raytheon, hawker beechcraft. Models named: 58, 95-C55, E55, 56TC, 58P, 58TC. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Beechcraft Corporation (type certificate previously held by Hawker Beechcraft Corporation) Models 58, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC airplanes; and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58P and 58TC airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Both type certificates previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company.

Comply with paragraphs (g) through (i), including all subparagraphs, of this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) For Model 58 airplanes, serial numbers TH-1768 through TH-2110, before further flight after September 24, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), review the airplane maintenance records to determine if either of the elevator balance weights have ever been replaced. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate is allowed to do this action. (i) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you positively identify that one or both of the elevator balance weights have never been replaced, then complete all of the actions in paragraph (h) and (i), all subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD. (ii) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you identify both balance weights have been replaced and you can positively identify by means of an Airworthiness Approval Tag (FAA Form 8130-3) or other positive form of parts identification such as a shipping ticket, invoice, or direct ship authority letter, that the purchase date from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation) on both balance weights is outside the date range of January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005, then no further action is required for this AD. (iii) For a replaced balance weight, if you cannot positively identify the date of purchase of a balance weight from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation), then you must complete all of the actions in paragraph (h) and (i), all subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD. (2) For Model 58 airplanes, all serial numbers (except TH-1768 through TH-2110), and Models 58TC, 58P, 95-C55, E55, and 56TC airplanes, all serial numbers, before further flight after September 24, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) review the airplane maintenance records to determine if the elevator balance weights have ever been replaced. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate is allowed to do this action. (i) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you positively identify that both of the elevator balance weights have never been replaced, then no further action is required for this AD. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate is allowed to do this action. (ii) If, as a result of the maintenance records check, you identify that one or both of the balance weights have been replaced and you can positively identify by means of an Airworthiness Approval Tag (FAA Form 8130-3) or other positive form of parts identification such as a shipping ticket, invoice, or direct ship authority letter, that the purchase date from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation) is outside the date range of January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005, then no further action is required for this AD. (iii) If you cannot positively identify the date of purchase of an aircraft balance weight from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (also known as Raytheon Aircraft Company or Beechcraft Corporation), then you must perform all of the actions in paragraph (h) and (i), all subparagraphs, as applicable in this AD.

This AD was prompted by reports of elevator balance weights becoming loose or failing because the balance weight material was under strength and did not meet material specifications. We are issuing this AD to correct this unsafe condition, which could result in reduced flutter speed and lead to loss of control.

None.