2024-08-03: Flight Control System Wiring

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: 2024-08-03 Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd.: Amendment 39-22736; Docket No. FAA-2024-0044; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00629-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 3, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD. (1) Model BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, BN2T-4R, and BN2T-4S airplanes. (2) Model BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 airplanes. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2797, Flight Control System Wiring. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of electrical cable (Koiled Kord) and flight control cables interference with the control column. The FAA is issuing this AD to address interference between the Koiled Kord, flight control cables, and the control column, which could restrict the full and free movement of the flight controls. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the airplane during flight. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Definition For the purposes of this AD, a Koiled Kord is the coiled electrical cable that carries the wires from switches on the control yoke, through the control column tube, to the rear of the instrument panel. It exits the control column tube behind the instrument panel and continues to a terminal block. (h) Required Actions (1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect for interference between the control column, rudder pedal adjuster cable, and any other wiring, including the Koiled Kord, in accordance with Sections 6 and 7(1) of Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 398, Issue 2, dated May 30, 2022 (Britten-Norman SB 398, Issue 2), while concurrently performing a control column full and free movement inspection, in accordance with Section 8 of Britten-Norman SB 398, Issue 2, to inspect for free play, friction, binding, non-linear forces, and any remaining interference. (2) If interference between the control column, the rudder pedal adjuster cable, and any other wiring, including the Koiled Kord, or any free play, friction, binding, non-linear forces, or any remaining interference was found during the inspections required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, before further flight, securely tie any interfering electrical cables clear of the control column for its full range of motion and perform a final full and free movement inspection in accordance with Section 8 of Britten-Norman SB 398, Issue 2, to inspect for free play, friction, binding, non-linear forces, and any remaining interference. If there is any free play, friction, binding, non-linear forces, or any remaining interference, before further flight resolve these issues in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority United Kingdom (CAA UK); or Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd.'s CAA UK Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation Branch, 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 International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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. (j) Additional Information (1) Refer to CAA UK AD G-2022-0017, dated September 20, 2022, for related information. This CAA UK AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0044. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Penelope Trease, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (303) 342-1094; email: penelope.trease@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 398, Issue 2, dated May 30, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information, contact Britten-Norman Aircraft Ltd., Bembridge Airport, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5PR United Kingdom; phone: +44 20 3371 4000; email: customer.support@britten-norman.com; website: britten-norman.com/approvals-technical-publications. (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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on April 15, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-09083 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P