53-16-01: Elevator Trim Tab Looseness
FAA order 53-16-01 is an airworthiness directive. The FAA's subject line: Elevator Trim Tab Looseness. It names Downer 14: about 7 aircraft on the U.S. register today, though an order usually covers particular versions or serial numbers rather than every one. System: flight controls.
What it applies to as the FAA lists it
- Kind of product
- Aircraft
- Makes
- Alexandria Aircraft, LLC
- Models
- 14-19, 14-19-2, 14-19-3, 14-19-3A
- On this site
- Downer 14 7 registered
Dates and paperwork
- Docket
- Unknown
- Status
- Current
- The FAA's document
- Read the order on the FAA's site
The order itself the regulatory text, as published
Show the full text (931 characters)
53-16-01 BELLANCA: Applies to All Model 14-19 Series Airplanes.
Compliance required prior to September 15, 1953, and to be repeated at intervals not to exceed 100 hours flight time.
Inspect elevator trim tab system for looseness by checking free play of the trim tab. Total free play of the tab trailing edge at the maximum chord should not exceed 0.20 inch. Excessive free play may be due to excessively worn parts and/or looseness in the adjustment of the trim tab system. Excessive free play can usually be removed by accomplishing the following:
Remove retaining pin from trim tab control handle and remove handle. Pull tab control rod as far forward as possible. Add required thickness of shim or washer to take up increased length. Replace handle and pin.
Center fabric hinge should also be inspected for deterioration and replaced if necessary.
(Bellanca Service Bulletin No. 4 covers the same subject.)
Related safety bulletins advice on the same designs, not orders
2018-11-21SW-18-31 · NAVIGATION, ATTITUDE, AND DIRECTION DATA SYSTEM
Source: FAA Dynamic Regulatory System, airworthiness directives. The FAA's document is the authority; the register counts are this site's, from the FAA register of November 6, 2026. Connections as data: /graph/directive/53-16-01.json · aircraft systems.