AD 2022-20-10 Airworthiness Directives; Vulcanair S.p.A. Airplanes

Makes named: vulcanair. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68, P.68B, P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 “Observer,” P.68TC “Observer,” P.68 “Observer 2,” and P.68R airplanes, all serial numbers (S/Ns), certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

Within 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, inspect the upper and lower rudder hinges for looseness, corrosion, cracking, and damage in accordance with steps 1 through 4 of Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter No. 23, Revision 2, dated September 29, 2021. (1) If there is no looseness, no corrosion, no cracking, and no damage, do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Remove the rudder by following the removal procedure for your airplane identified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD. Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)(i) —Applicable Maintenance Manuals (MMs) for Rudder Removal Airplane model Vulcanair MM rudder removal procedure Airplane S/N P.68 and P.68B Paragraph 6.2, Removal and Installation of the Rudder, of Chapter 6—Vertical Empennage, of Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair Aircraft A/C P68B Victor Maintenance Manual, NOR.10.709-9, Revision 16, dated September 22, 2017 All S/Ns. P.68R Paragraph 6.2, Removal and Installation of the Rudder, of Chapter 6—Vertical Empennage, of Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair Aircraft A/C P68B Victor Maintenance Manual, NOR.10.709-9, Revision 16, dated September 22, 2017 S/N 40 and S/N 430.   Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68R Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-3, Revision 12, dated December 12, 2019 S/N 453 and larger. P.68C Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-1B, Revision 9, dated August 30, 2017 S/N up to and including S/N 460.   Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C & P.68C-TC Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-1, Revision 7, dated May 11, 2021 S/N 462 and larger. P.68C-TC Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-1B, Revision 9, dated August 30, 2017 S/N up to and including S/N 392.   Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C & P.68C-TC Maintenance Manual AMM10.702-1, Revision 7, dated May 11, 2021 S/N 467 and larger. P.68 Observer Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-1B, Revision 9, dated August 30, 2017 All S/Ns. P.68 Observer 2 Paragraph 5.10, Removal of Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68 Observer 2 Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-10, Revision 5, dated October 23, 2017 S/N up to and including S/N 451.   Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68 Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-2, Revision 8, dated November 11, 2021 S/N 465 and larger. P.68TC Observer Paragraph 5.10, Removal of the Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-1B, Revision 9, dated August 30, 2017 S/N up to and including S/N 394.   Paragraph 5.10, Removal of Rudder, of Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P68-TC Observer Maintenance Manual, NOR10.709-4A, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2018 S/N 400 up to and including S/N 461.   Paragraph 3.2.13, Removal of Rudder, of Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair Aircraft P.68 Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702-2, Revision 8, dated November 11, 2021 S/N 481 and larger. (ii) Perform a dye penetrant inspection of the hinges, paying particular attention to the pivot/attachment holes, using a dye penetrant solution for manual non-destructive testing using the following: (A) Penetrant System: TYPE II (Visible Dye); (B) METHOD C (Solvent Removable); (C) Developer: FORM D (Non-aqueous); or (D) Solvent Remover: CLASS 1 (Halogenated). (2) If there is any looseness, corrosion, cracking, or damage, replace the hinge before further flight.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as corrosion causing failure of the upper rudder hinge. The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage of the upper and lower rudder hinges. This condition, if not addressed, could result in interference with the rudder movement and lead to failure of the rudder, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

None.