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98-19-15 FAIRCHILD AIRCRAFT, INC.: Amendment 39-10794; Docket No. 98-CE-84-AD.
Applicability: Models SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-TT, SA227-AT, SA227-AC, SA227-BC, SA227-CC, and SA227-DC airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category; that are equipped with Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators, part number (P/N) 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-002.
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 (d) 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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished or made unnecessary by replacement of the P/N 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-002 Barber-Colman pitch trim actuator with a Simmonds-Precision actuator, P/N DL5040M5 or P/N 5040M6.
This replacement may only be accomplished on SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, SA226-TC, SA227-TT, SA227-AT, SA227-AC, or SA227-BC aircraft. The Simmonds-Precision actuators are not approved for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC airplanes.
To lessen the severity of airplane pitch up caused by mechanical failure of the pitch trim actuator, which could result in a pitch upset and structural failure of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to further flight after receipt of this AD, revise the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by incorporating the following into the Limitations Section of the AFM. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM:
"Limit the maximum indicated airspeed to maneuvering airspeed (Va) as shown in the appropriate airplane flight manual (AFM)."
and
"The minimum crew required is two pilots."
NOTE 2: Fairchild Service Letter 226-SL-017, Fairchild Service Letter 227-SL-033, and Fairchild Service Letter CC7-SL-023, all FAA Approved: August 26, 1998; Revised: September 2, 1998; address the subject matter of this AD.
(b) Incorporating the AFM revision, as specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
NOTE 3: This AD does not affect AD 97-23-01, Amendment 39-10188 (62 FR 5922, November 3, 1997). AD 97-23-01 still applies to all SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with either Barber-Colman or Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuators, and requires the following:
- Repetitively measuring the freeplay of the pitch trim actuator and repetitively inspecting the actuator for rod slippage or ratcheting;
- Immediately replacing any actuator if certain freeplay limitations are exceeded or rod slippage or ratcheting is evident; and,
- Eventually replacing the Simmonds-Precision actuators regardless of the inspection results.
(c) 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.
(d) 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 (ACO), FAA, 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 ACO.
NOTE 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth ACO.
(e) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of the documents referred to herein upon request to Field Support Engineering, Fairchild Aircraft, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490; or may examine these documents at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on September 25, 1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-19-15, issued September 10, 1998, which contains the requirements of this amendment.
