99-18-14: Control Yoke Pivot Bolt

99-18-14 CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY: Amendment 39-11280; Docket No. 99-CE-55-AD. Applicability: The following serial numbers of Model 172R airplanes, certificated in any category; that are equipped with a Cessna Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 that was shipped sometime between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999: Serial Numbers 17280003 through 17280016, 17280018 through 17280060, 17280062, 17280063, 17280065 through 17280071, 17280073 through 17280083, 17280085 through 17280088, 17280090, 17280091, and 17280093 through 17280096 NOTE 1: Modification Kit MK172-27-01 was issued to reduce friction in the elevator control system. NOTE 2: 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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of an aileron control cable because of an incorrect length control yoke pivot bolt rubbing on one of these cables, which could result in loss of aileron control with loss of directional control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect the control yoke pivot bolt to assure positive clearance between the pivot bolt's threaded end and the aileron direct cable. Accomplish this inspection in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Cessna Service Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated July 12, 1999. If positive clearance is not found, prior to further flight, accomplish the following in accordance with the service bulletin: (1) Replace the control yoke pivot bolt; and (2) Inspect the adjacent aileron control cables for damage and replace any damaged aileron control cable. NOTE 3: This AD allows the aircraft owner or pilot to check the maintenance records to determine whether a Cessna Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 was incorporated after September 21, 1998, and before the effective date of this AD. Those kits shipped between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999, could contain incorrect length control yoke pivot bolts and, when installed, could rub on one of the adjacent aileron control cables. See paragraph (c) of this AD for authorization. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may incorporate on any airplane, a CessnaModification Kit MK 172-27-01 that was shipped sometime between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999, unless a replacement control yoke pivot bolt is obtained from the manufacturer, and incorporated with the modification kit. (c) 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) may check the maintenance records to determine whether a Cessna Modification Kit MK 172-27-01 was incorporated after September 21, 1998, and before the effective date of this AD. Those kits shipped between September 21, 1998, and April 18, 1999, could contain incorrect length control yoke pivot bolts and, when installed, could rub on one of the adjacent aileron control cables. If, by checking the maintenance records, it can be positively determined that one of these suspect kits is not incorporated on the airplane, the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD do not apply and the owner/operator must make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (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 times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Rm 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas, 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO. NOTE 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO. (f) The inspections and replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB99-27-01, dated July 12, 1999. 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 the Cessna Aircraft Company, Product Support, P. O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 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 September 27, 1999.