Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17334 · Stabilizer control system
Piper Aircraft, Inc.
This AD applies to Models PA-28-236, PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-201T, PA-28R-201, PA-28-235, PA-28R-201T, PA-28S-160, PA-28S-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28RT-201, PA-28RT-201T, PA-32-260, PA-32-301, PA-32-301T, PA-32-300, PA-32R-300, PA-32R-301T, PA-32R-301 (SP), PA-32R-301 (HP), PA-32RT-300, PA-32RT-300T, PA-32S-300, PA-32-301FT, PA-32-301XTC, PA-34-200, PA-34-200T, PA-34-220T, PA-44-180, and PA-44-180T airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) PA-28, PA-32, PA-34, and PA-44 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of control cable assembly failures that may lead to failure of the horizontal stabilator control system and could result in loss of pitch control. This AD requires inspections of the stabilator control system and replacement of parts as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Initially inspect the stabilator control system following instructions 1 through 10 of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1245A, dated November 28, 2012, as follows:
(i) If the age of the airplane is at or exceeds 15 years as of March 11, 2013 (the effective date of this AD): At the next annual inspection or within the next 12 months after March 11, 2013 (the effective date of this AD).
(ii) If the age of the airplane is less than 15 years as of March 11, 2013 (the effective date of this AD): When the age of the airplane reaches 15 years, then at the next annual inspection or within 12 months after the airplane reaches 15 years of age.
(iii) If the age of the airplane cannot be determined as of March 11, 2013 (the effective date of this AD): At the next annual inspection or within the next 12 months after March 11, 2013 (the effective date of this AD).
Note for paragraph (g)(1)(i), (g)(1)(ii), and (g)(1)(iii) of this AD: To assist in determining the age of the airplane, you may contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567-4361; Internet: www.piper.com; or access the FAA airplane registry database at: http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Serial_Inquiry.aspx.
(2) After the applicable initial inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 hours time-in-service or 7 years, whichever occurs first, inspect the stabilator control system following instructions 1 through 10 of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1245A, dated November 28, 2012.
If any cracks, corrosion, or cable fraying are found during any inspection required in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the damaged part with an airworthy part.
This AD provides credit for the actions required in this AD if already done before March 11, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) following Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1245, dated May 3, 2012.
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
