Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14136 · The Lancair Company Model LC41-550FG Airplanes
The Lancair Company Model LC41-550FG Airplanes
This AD affects Model LC41-550F airplanes, serial numbers 41001 through 41082, that are certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Lancair Company (Lancair) Model LC41-550FG airplanes. This AD requires both visual and dye penetrant inspections of the elevator torque tube assembly for cracks. If a crack is found, this AD requires replacement with a modified assembly that incorporates a steel doubler. This AD also requires replacement of the modified elevator torque tube assembly every 300 hours time-in-service or 18 months (whichever occurs first). This AD results from cracks found in the weld area of the elevator torque tube assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the elevator torque tube assembly, which could result in failure of the elevator torque tube assembly and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.
To address this problem, you must do the following:
Note 1: The Lancair Company Certified Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-05-005A, Model 400, dated May 20, 2005, allows the pilot to perform the visual inspection of the elevator torque tube assembly. The Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3) only allow the pilot to perform preventive maintenance as described in 14 CFR part 43, App. A, paragraph (c). These visual inspections are not considered preventive maintenance under 14 CFR part 43, App. A, paragraph (c). Therefore, an appropriately-rated mechanic must perform all actions of this AD.
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Visually inspect the area of weld joining the torque tube to the elevator end rib for cracks | Before further flight after June 21, 2005 (the effective date of this AD), and before each flight until the action required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD is done until a crack is found, whichever occurs first. It is acceptable to do the dye penetrant inspection and modification required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD before further flight and eliminate the need for the visual inspection(s). | Follow Part 1 of The Lancair Company Certified Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-05-005A, Model 400, dated May 20, 2005. |
| (2) Do a dye penetrant inspection of the area of weld joining the torque tube to the elevator end rib for cracks and modify the elevator torque tube assembly by installing a steel doubler | Within 10 hours TIS after June 21, 2005 (the effective date of this AD). Doing the dye penetrant inspection and modification terminates the repetitive visual inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. This modified elevator torque tube assembly has a safe limit of 300 hours TIS or 18 months after modification, whichever occurs first, and you must replace it at that interval. | Follow Part 2 of The Lancair Company Certified Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-05-005A, Model 400, dated May 20, 2005, and Revision B to Chapter 4 of Maintenance Manual RC050001, dated May 25, 2005. |
| (3) Replace the elevator torque tube assembly with a new assembly that incorporates a steel doubler in the area of weld joining the torque tube to the elevator end rib | Any time a crack is found during any inspection required in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD. You may do the replacement sooner if desired, in which case, you may discontinue the inspections in paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD. The new replacement assembly has a safe life limit of 300 hours TIS or 18 months after replacement, whichever occurs first, and you must replace it at that interval. | Follow Part 2 of The Lancair Company Certified Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-05-005A, Model 400, dated May 20, 2005, and Revision B to Chapter 4 of Maintenance Manual RC050001, dated May 25, 2005. |
Note 2: The compliance times in this AD take precedence over the compliance times in the service information.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
