58-17-02: Horizontal Tail Surfaces
FAA order 58-17-02 is an airworthiness directive. The FAA's subject line: Horizontal Tail Surfaces. It names Curtiss Wright C-46: about 8 aircraft on the U.S. register today, though an order usually covers particular versions or serial numbers rather than every one. System: airframe structure.
What it applies to as the FAA lists it
- Kind of product
- Aircraft
- Makes
- Airlift International, Inc.; Curtiss-Wright Corporation; Flying Tiger Line, Inc.; L. B. Smith Aircraft Corporation; Skyways International Trading and Transport Co.; Tempo Design Corporation
- Models
- C-46A, C-46D, C-46F, C-46R, C-46E, C-46A, C-46D, C-46E, C-46F, C-46A, C-46D, C-46F, C-46F, C-46/CW20-T, Super C-46/CW20-T
- On this site
- Curtiss Wright C-46 8 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 (1,444 characters)
58-17-02 CURTISS-WRIGHT: Applies to all C-46 Series aircraft including the Models C-46R and C-46/CW20-T aircraft.
Compliance required as noted.
Due to recurrent fatigue cracking on the horizontal tail surfaces, the following inspections must be accomplished:
1. Conduct a daily visual external inspection of the horizontal tail surfaces for cracks with especial reference to cracks developing in the skin and ribs in the area of the elevator balance weights and the elevator hinge cutouts.
2. A detailed visual inspection of the horizontal tail surfaces must be conducted at intervals not to exceed 100 hours' time in service. Particular attention should be paid to cracks developing in the area of the balance weights on the elevator, elevator nose ribs, elevator main spar, and elevator and stabilizer hinge ribs.
3. Any cracks found must be repaired in accordance with the structural repair manual or other approved repair method prior to the next flight. Stop-drilling of cracks is not considered a repair but may form part of a repair.
To facilitate inspection, the horizontal stabilizer may be modified in accordance with L.B. Smith Aircraft Corporation Drawing No. 5.040.02, or approved equivalent.
To provide access to the elevator interiors for visual inspection, access holes may be added in the elevator skin as shown on Riddle Airlines Incorporated Service Bulletin No. RSB-C- 46-8.
Revised July 11, 1961.
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/58-17-02.json · aircraft systems.