2016-07-24: Elevator Tab Control System

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2016-07-24 Textron Aviation, Inc.: Amendment 39-18469; Docket No. FAA-2016-5457; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-008-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective April 26, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Textron Aviation, Inc. Models 310 through 310R, E310H, E310J, T310P through T310R, 310J-1, 320 through 320F, 320-1, 335, 340, 340A, 401 through 401B, 402 through 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, and 421 through 421C airplanes (type certificates 3A10, 3A25, and A7CE previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company), all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2731, Elevator Tab Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by lessons learned in accident investigation support, analysis of past accidents, and NTSB determinations of probable cause. That information confirms that following the loss of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod, the elevator tab may jam in a position outside the normal limits of travel and could result in loss of control. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. (f) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD within the compliance times specified. (1) Within the next 90 days after April 26, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), replace the elevator trimpush-pull rod attachment hardware on the elevator trim actuator and the trim tab ends of the push-pull rod following steps 2 through 5 of the accomplishment instructions in Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin No. MEB-27-02, dated February 29, 2016. (2) Following the replacement required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, repetitively inspect the elevator trim push- pull rod attachment hardware on the elevator trim actuator and the trim tab ends of the push-pull rod, and replace the hardware if necessary before further flight following the Compliance NOTE on page 1 of Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin No. MEB-27-02, dated February 29, 2016. (3) After April 26, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), any time the elevator trim push-pull rod attachment hardware on the elevator trim actuator and/or trim tab ends of the push-pull rod is removed for any reason, discard the old hardware (bolt, nut, washer and cotter pin) and replace with new hardware following steps 3 and/ or step 5 of [[Page 21253]] Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin No. MEB-27-02, dated February 29, 2016. (g) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are allowed for this AD per 14 CFR 39.23 with the following limitation: Before flight a pre-flight inspection is required of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod. Confirmation of the presence of a castellated nut and cotter pin is required. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Adam Hein, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1801 S. Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: (316) 946- 4116; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: adam.hein@faa.gov. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin No. MEB-27-02, dated February 29, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) service information identified in this AD, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277; telephone: (316) 517-5800; fax: (316) 517-7271; email: customercare@cessna.textron.com; Internet: https://support.cessna.com/custsupt/csupport/newlogin.jsp (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA- 2016-5457. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.