AD/PA-31/126 Amdt 3 - Elevator Spar (Cth)

Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-31/126 Amdt 1. and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

AD/PA-31/126 Amdt 3

Elevator Spar 2/2000

Applicability: Models Serial Numbers

PA-31, PA-31-300, and PA-31-325 31-2 through 31-8312019 PA-31-350 31-5001 through 31-8553002 PA-31P-350 31P-8414001 through 31P-8414050

Requirement: Inspect in accordance with either Requirement 1 or Requirement 2 below:

1. a. Visually inspect the upper and lower surfaces of the elevator spar, from the outboard hinge to 9-inches (230 mm) inboard of the hinge. Inspect for cracking in the skin, loose rivets, and fretting.

b. (i) Gain access as necessary and perform a detail visual inspection of the rear faces of left and right elevator spar webs at the inboard ends of the outboard hinge doublers (refer to Figure 1, item C).

(ii) Gain access as necessary and perform detail visual inspections of the forward faces of the left and right elevator spar webs at their outboard ends. Pay particular attention to the spar bend radii (refer to Figure 1, items A and B).

If cracks are found, replace elevator spar assembly in accordance with Requirement 3.