96-09-08: Longerons Aft Of Rear Cabane Struts

96-09-08 AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC.: Amendment 39-9584; Docket No. 95-CE-101-AD. Applicability: Models S-2A, S-2B, and S-2S airplanes (formerly Pitts Models S-2A, S-2B, and S-2S airplanes), all serial numbers, certificated in any category. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance:Required at the accumulation of 300 hours total time-in-service (TIS), or within the next 25 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, unless already accomplished. To prevent cracking and subsequent failure of the longerons, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect (using a 10x magnifying glass) the longerons aft of the rear cabane struts for cracks in accordance with paragraphs 1.) through 5.) in the Aviat Service Bulletin (SB) No. 24, dated February 8, 1996. If cracks are found during any inspection required by this AD, prior to further flight, contact the Manager of the Denver ACO for an approved repair scheme. (b) Prior to further flight, repair any cracks found in accordance with the approved repair scheme provided by the ACO manager. (c) Report the results of the initial inspection to the Manager of the Denver Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 5440 Roslyn St., suite 133, Denver, Colorado, 80216, within 10 days of the inspection. The information provided should include airplane model number, serial number, registration number, location of cracks found, number of cracks, and total TIS. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished, provided that aerobatic flying is prohibited. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Denver Aircraft Certification Office, 5440 Roslyn St., suite 133, Denver, Colorado, 80216. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Denver Aircraft Certification Office. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Denver Aircraft Certification Office. (f) The inspections required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Aviat Aircraft Inc. Service Bulletin No. 24, dated February 8, 1996. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Aviat Aircraft Inc., The Airport-Box No. 1240, 672 South Washington Street, Afton, Wyoming, 83110. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 20, 1996.