2002-23-10: First Outboard Flap Control Rod and the Bleed Air Duct

2002-23-10 Piaggio Aero Industries S.P.A.: Amendment 39-12954; Docket No. 2002-CE-48-AD (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects Model P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category. (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD. (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct interference or damage of the first outboard flap control rod and bleed air duct, which could result in failure of the flap control rod. Such failure could lead to loss of airplane control. (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following: Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Inspect the first outboard flap control rod part number (P/N) C132761-1, and the bleed air ducts, P/N 80-247475-405 (left-hand wing), and P/N 80-247475-407 (right-hand wing) for required clearance and wear/damage. Within the next 15 days after December 17, 2002 (the effective date of the AD), unless already accomplished. In accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin No.: ASB-80-0182, Original Issue: June 7, 2002. (2) If interference or wear/damage is found during the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, correct the interference and replace any damaged parts. Accomplish any necessary replacements or correct interference prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, unless already accomplished. In accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin No.: ASB-80-0182, Original Issue: June 7, 2002, and the applicable maintenance manual. (3) If neither wear/damage nor interference is found but the clearance between the first outboard flap control rod andbleed air duct on both the left- and right-hand side is less than the correct value, adjust to the correct value, adjust to the correct value specified in the service bulletin. Accomplish any necessary adjustment prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, unless already accomplished. In accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin No.: ASB-80-0182, Original Issue: June 7, 2002, and the applicable maintenance manual. (4) If no wear/damage or interference is found and the clearance between the first outboard flap control rod and bleed air duct on both the left- and right-hand side is correct, no further action is required. Not Applicable Not Applicable. (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if: (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and(2) The Standards Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Standards Office Manager. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it. (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? Contact Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4059; facsimile: (816) 329-4090. (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD. (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin No. 80-0182, dated June 7, 2002. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A, Via Cibrario 4, 16154 Genoa, Italy. You may view copies at FAA, Central Region,Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 2002. Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Italian AD No. 2002-442, issued August 22, 2002.