97-02-02: Control Column Pitch Bearing Attaching Nuts

97-02-02 FAIRCHILD AIRCRAFT, INC.: Amendment 39-9886; Docket No. 96-CE-64-AD. Applicability: Models SA26, SA226, SA227-AC, SA227-AT, SA227-BC, SA227-TT, and SA227-CC/DC (serial numbers CC/DC784, and CC/DC790 through CC/DC884), 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 addressit. Compliance: Required within the next 75 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent loss of pitch control, which if not corrected, could result in loss of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Apply torque to the control column pitch bearing attaching nuts and inspect for movement in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Fairchild Aircraft (Fairchild) Service Bulletin (SB) No. 26-27-30-046, 226-27-060, 227-27-041, or CC7-27-010, dated December 11, 1996, whichever is applicable. (1) If there is no movement, then no further action is necessary. (2) If there is movement, prior to further flight, replace the pitch control column roller bearing and attaching nut in accordance with Fairchild SB 26-27-30-046, 226-27-060, 227-27-041, or CC7-27-010, dated December 11, 1996, whichever is applicable. (b) Inspect the elevator control rod end bearing retainer/dust seals forevidence of creasing in accordance with Fairchild SB 26-27-30-046, 226-27-060, 227-27-041, or CC7-27-010, dated December 11, 1996, whichever is applicable. (1) If no creasing is found, then rod end assembly replacement is not necessary. (2) If creasing is found, prior to further flight, replace the elevator control rod end assembly in accordance with Fairchild SB 26-27-30-046, 226-27-060, 227-27-041, or CC7-27-010, dated December 11, 1996, whichever is applicable. (c) Install a new washer (part number (P/N) AN970-4) and replace the bolt (P/N NAS6604D31) with a new bolt (P/N NAS6604D34) on the elevator control rod end bearing assembly at the walking beam connections in accordance with Fairchild SB 26-27-30-046, 226-27-060, 227-27-041, or CC7-27-010, dated December 11, 1996, whichever is applicable. (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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office. (f) The inspections and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with FAIRCHILD AIRCRAFT Service Bulletin No. SB 26-27-30-046, 226-27-060, 227-27-041, or CC7-27-010, Issued: December 11, 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 Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas, 78279-0490; telephone (210) 824-9421. 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 February 6, 1997.