2023-02-04: Elevator Structure

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-02-04 Mooney International Corporation: Amendment 39-22311; Docket No. FAA-2023-0024; Project Identifier AD-2022-01492-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 13, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability Mooney International Corporation Model M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, and M20G airplanes, all serial numbers up to 680170 inclusive, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5520, Elevator Structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of the hybrid elevator balance weight cracking. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address the corrosion and cracking of the hybrid elevator balance weight. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in partial or total separation of the elevator balance weight during flight, which could lead to elevator flutter with consequent loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Action (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, inspect both elevators to determine if any hybrid elevator balance weight part number (P/N) 430018-1 is installed in accordance with STEP 1.1 of the Instructions section in Mooney International Corporation Service Bulletin M20-345A, dated December 13, 2022. The repetitive inspection and replacement required by paragraphs (g)(2) and (3) of this AD are not required if any hybrid elevator balance weight P/N 430018-1 is not installed. (2) If any hybrid elevator balance weight P/N 430018-1 is installed, before further flight after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service or 12 months, whichever occurs first, inspect each hybrid elevator balance weight P/N 430018-1 for any corrosion and cracks in accordance with STEP 2 of the Instructions section in Mooney International Corporation Service Bulletin M20-345A, dated December 13, 2022. (3) If any corrosion or cracks are found as a result of any inspection required in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the elevator balance weight with a non-hybrid (lead) elevator balance weight P/N 430016-7 in accordance with STEPS 3.1.1 through 3.1.8 of the Instructions section in Mooney International Corporation Service Bulletin M20-345A, dated December 13, 2022, except contacting Mooney Service Parts in STEP 3.1.7 is not required by this AD. The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD are no longer required for that elevator balance weight after this replacement. (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install hybrid elevator balance weight P/N 430018-1 on any airplane. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Fort Worth 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 certification office, 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 Bang Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-4973; email: bang.nguyen@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) Mooney International Corporation Service Bulletin M20-345A, dated December 13, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Mooney International Corporation, 165 Al Mooney Road North, Kerrville, TX 78028; phone: (800) 456-3033; email: support@mooney.com; website: mooney.com . (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (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, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on January 19, 2023. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-01730 Filed 1-24-23; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P