AD 93-15-02 Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

All SA226 and SA227 series airplanes (all models and serial numbers), certificated in any category, that are equipped with a Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator, part number (P/N) DL5040M5 or P/N DL5040M6. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of the pitch trim actuator, which could result in the horizontal stabilizer going nose-down or jamming, accomplish the following: Note 2: The paragraph structure of this AD is as follows: Level 1: (a), (b), (c), etc. Level 2: (1), (2), (3), etc. Level 3: (i), (ii), (iii), etc. Level 2 and Level 3 structures are designations of the Level 1 paragraph they immediately follow. (a) Accomplish the following at the times specified in the chart in paragraph (b) of this AD: (1) Initial and repetitive inspections: Measure the freeplay (inspection) of the pitch trim actuator and inspect the actuator for rod slippage in accordance with the INSTRUCTIONS section of Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series Service Letter (SL) 226-SL-005, and Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series SL 227-SL-011, both Issued: April 8, 1993, Revised: May 22, 1996, as applicable. (2) Initial and repetitive replacements: Replace the pitch trim actuator with one of the following in accordance with the instructions in the applicable maintenance manual at the times specified in the Initial Inspection and Repetititive Inspection columns of the chart in paragraph (b) of this AD and, replace the pitch trim actuator prior to further flight if certain freeplay limitations that are specified in the service letters are exceeded or if rod slippage is found. (i) A new Simmonds-Precision actuator, P/N DL5040M5 or DL5040M6. (ii) A pitch trim actuator with an overhauled, zero-timed part of the same design and part number. (iii) A new actuator of improved design, P/N 27- 19008-001 or 27-19008-002. This replacement eliminates the repetitive inspection and replacement requirements of this AD, and may be accomplished at any time to eliminate the inspection requirement of this AD. (b) The following chart presents the initial and repetitive inspection and replacement compliance times of this AD: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Condition Initial inspection Repetitive inspection Repetitive replacement ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With an original Simmonds-Precision Upon accumulating 3,000 Every 250 hours TIS Initially upon actuator, P/N DL5040M5, installed. hours TIS on a after initial accumulating 5,000 Simmonds-Precision P/N inspection until hours TIS on the DL5040M5 actuator or accumulating 5,000 actuator or 500 hours within 50 hours TIS hours TIS on the TIS after the initial after April 17, 1995 actuator or 500 hours inspection, whichever (the effective date of TIS after the last occurs later, and AD 93-15-02 R1), inspection required by thereafter as whichever occurs later. AD 93-15-02 R1, indicated below. whichever occurs later. With a replacement Simmonds-Precision Initially upon Every 300 hours TIS Upon accumulating 6,500 actuator, P/N DL5040M5, installed. accumulating 5,000 after the initial hours TIS on the hours TIS on the new inspection until actuator. actuator. accumulating 6,500 hours TIS on the actuator. With a replacement Simmonds-Precision Initially upon Every 300 hours TIS Upon accumulating 9,900 actuator, P/N DL5040M6, installed. accumulating 7,500 after the initial hours TIS on the This part can be new, modified from hours TIS on the new inspection until actuator. a P/N DL5040M5 actuator or or modified actuator. accumulating 9,900 overhauled and zero-timed. hours TIS on the actuator.. [[Page 36820]] With a replacement P/N DL5040M5 Initally upon Every 300 hours TIS Upon accumulating 6,500 actuator installed that was accumulating 5,000 after the initial hours TIS on the overhauled and zero-timed where both hours TIS on the inspection until actuator. nut assemblies, P/N AA56142, were overhauled actuator. accumulating 6,500 replaced with new assemblies during hours TIS on the overhaul. actuator. With a replacement P/N DL5040M5 Initally upon Every 250 hours TIS Upon accumulating 5,000 actuator installed that was accumulating 3,000 after the initial hours TIS on the overhauled and zero-timed where both hours TIS on the inspection until actuator. nut assemblies, P/N AA56142, were overhauled actuator. accumulating 5,000 not replaced with new assemblies hours TIS on the during overhaul. actuator. With a pitch trim actuator of No action necessary.... No action necessary.... No action necessary. improved design installed, P/N 27- 19008-001 or 27-19008-002. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Airplane Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth ACO. (e) The inspections and modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series Service Letter 226-SL-005, and Fairchild Aircraft SA227 Series Service Letter 227-SL-011, both Issued: April 8, 1993, Revised: May 22, 1996, as applicable. This incorporation by reference is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Field Support Engineering, Fairchild Aircraft, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment (39-9689) revises AD 93-15-02 R1, Amendment 39-9180. (g) This amendment (39-9689) becomes effective on July 25, 1996. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 25, 1996. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-17483 Filed 7-12-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U