AD 2016-15-02 Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

This AD applies to M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-AT, SA26-T, 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), and SA227-TT airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Comply with paragraphs (g)(1) through (2) of this AD using the following service bulletins within the compliance times specified below, unless already done: (1) For Models SA26-T and SA26-AT: M7 Aerospace LLC Service Bulletin (SB) 26-27-002, dated October 8, 2015; (2) For Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), and SA226-TC: M7 Aerospace LLC SB 226-27-078, dated October 8, 2015; (3) For Models SA227-AC(C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC(C-26A), and SA227-TT: M7 Aerospace LLC SB 227-27-058, dated October 8, 2015; or (4) For Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC (C-26B): M7 Aerospace LLC SB CC7-27-030, dated October 8, 2015.

(1) For all airplanes: Within the next 2,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) after [insert date 35 days after date of publication in the Federal Register ] (the effective date of this AD) or no later than when the airplane accumulates 20,000 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, do an initial inspection of the cockpit control column horizontal tube for cracks following the Accomplishment Instructions in section 2. of the service bulletins identified in paragraphs (f)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this AD, as applicable; and repetitively inspect as follows: (i) For airplanes with less than 35,000 hours TIS as of [insert date 35 days after date of publication in the Federal Register] (the effective date of this AD): Repetitively inspect the cockpit control column horizontal tube for cracks every 5,000 hours TIS until the airplane reaches 35,000 hours TIS at which time do the inspection within 2,000 hours TIS from the last inspection or within the next 100 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, and then thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours TIS. (ii) For airplanes with 35,000 hours TIS or more as of [insert date 35 days after date of publication in the Federal Register ] (the effective date of this AD): Repetitively inspect the cockpit control column horizontal tube for cracks every 2,000 hours TIS. (2) For all airplanes: If any cracks are found following the inspections required in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(1)(i), or (ii), as applicable, before further flight, repair the control column following the Accomplishment Instructions in section 2. of the service bulletins identified in paragraphs (f)(1), (2), (3), or (4), as applicable, of this AD. Note to paragraph (g)(1) through (2) of this AD: The reporting of information requested in paragraph 2.H. of the Accomplishment Instructions in the service bulletins identified in paragraphs (f)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this AD is not a required action of this AD.

This AD was prompted by reports of multiple cracks in the steel horizontal tube of the cockpit control column. We are requiring repetitive inspections of the cockpit control column horizontal tube with repair or replacement, as necessary, of the cockpit control column. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

None.