Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15361 · Flight controls
Alpha Aviation Design Limited Model R2160 Airplanes
This AD applies to Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers 1 through 378, that:
(1) Are certificated in any category; and
(2) Have not installed the improved design rudder bars part number (P/N) 27.40.31.010 and P/N 27.40.31.020 following either Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 143, dated September 8, 1995, or Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-27-003, dated October 19, 2007.
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as distortion of the rudder bars due to rudder control forces during aerobatic operation and nose wheel steering reaction forces. Rudder bar distortion could result in reduced control or loss of control. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
For airplanes with serial numbers 250 through 378: Unless already done, within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after March 12, 1999 (the effective date of AD 99-01-04) replace the left and right rudder bars, part number (P/N) 27.23.01.010 (left) and P/N 27.23.01.020 (right), with the reinforced rudder bars, P/N 27.40.31.010 (left) and P/N 27.40.31.020 (right) or FAA-equivalent part numbers, following Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-27-003, dated October 19, 2007.
For airplanes with serial numbers 1 through 249: Unless already done, within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the left and right rudder bars, P/N 27.23.05.010 (left) and P/N 27.23.05.020 (right), with the reinforced rudder bars, P/N 27.40.31.010 (left) and P/N 27.40.31.020 (right) or FAA-equivalent part numbers, following Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-27-003, dated October 19, 2007.
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
