83-19-03: Lower Spar Cap Inspection
FAA order 83-19-03 is an airworthiness directive in force since September 30, 1983. The FAA's subject line: Lower Spar Cap Inspection. It names Piper PA-24 Comanche, Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R: about 3,390 aircraft on the U.S. register today across them, 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
- Piper Aircraft Inc.
- Models
- PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, PA-24-400, PA-30, PA-39
- On this site
- Piper PA-24 Comanche 2,428 registered
Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche 880 registered
Piper PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R 82 registered
Dates and paperwork
- In force since
- September 30, 1983
- Published
- September 27, 1983 (signed September 15, 1983)
- 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 (1,552 characters)
83-19-03 PIPER: Amendment 39-4730. Applies to Models PA-24-180/250/260 (S/N 24-1 and up); PA-24-400, (S/N 26-2 and up); PA-30 (S/N 30-2 thru 30-2000); and PA-39 (S/N 39-1 thru 39-155) airplanes certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless already accomplished.
To prevent wing lower main spar cap damage and possible cracks in this component where it enters the fuselage at the lower wing root fairing, accomplish the following:
a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the lower spar cap for chafing damage and cracks in accordance with the Instructions Section of Piper Service Bulletin 751 dated May 24, 1983.
b) Prior to further flight, polish out any chafing damage or replace parts which are cracked or that have chafing damage which cannot be polished out within the depth limits specified in the Instructions Section of Piper Service Bulletin 751 dated May 24, 1983, with a serviceable part.c) Prior to reinstallation, trim the lower portion of the seal plates in accordance with the Instructions Section of Piper Service Bulletin 751 dated May 24, 1983.
d) Aircraft may be flown in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation 21.197 to a location where this AD can be accomplished.
e) An equivalent method of compliance with this AD may be used, if approved, by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Room 202, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11581.
This amendment becomes effective on September 30, 1983.
Related safety bulletins advice on the same designs, not orders
2018-11-21SW-18-31 · NAVIGATION, ATTITUDE, AND DIRECTION DATA SYSTEM
2013-05-09NE-13-32 · Propeller Spinner Section
2008-09-17CE-08-50 · Landing Gear Manual Extension System Inspection
2005-07-07CE-05-67 ·
2004-09-15CE-04-88 ·
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/83-19-03.json · aircraft systems.
