Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17839 · Landing gear
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Airplanes
This AD applies to Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes, serial numbers 1004 through 1218, certificated in any category.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-21-08 R1 for Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes. 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 cases of un-commanded operation of switched off nose-wheel steering system caused by internal leakage of a steering select/bypass valve. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the actions required in paragraph (f)(1) through paragraph (f)(5) of this AD, including all subparagraphs:
(1) At whichever of the compliance times specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) and paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD that occurs first and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 165 hours time-in-service (TIS), do a functional test of the nose landing gear (NLG) steering manifold following Part A1 or Part A2 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013 (includes Confirmation Slip). Any functional test completed following either Part A1 or Part A2 resets the time counting towards the 165-hour TIS repetitive functional test to zero.
(i) Within the next 165 hours TIS after June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 6 months after June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first; or
(ii) Within the next 165 hours TIS after the last inspection done in compliance with AD 2009-21-08 R1, Amendment 39-16169 (75 FR 904, January 7, 2010).
(2) Within the next 220 hours TIS after June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 6 months after June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first, and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 660 TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, do a functional test of the nose landing gear (NLG) steering manifold following Part A1 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013 (includes Confirmation Slip). Any functional test completed following either Part A1 or Part A2 resets the time counting towards the 165-hour TIS repetitive functional test required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD to zero.
(3) If, during any functional test required in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, any NLG steering actuator movement discrepancy is detected, before further flight, replace the NLG steering manifold with a serviceable part as specified in Part A1 and Part A2 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013 (includes Confirmation Slip).
(4) As of June 13, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), installation of a replacement NLG steering manifold or a replacement NLG is allowed, provided that, before release to service, the NLG steering manifold passes a functional test following Part A1 of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, Rev. 3, dated July 22, 2013 (includes Confirmation Slip).
(5) To terminate the repetitive functional tests required in paragraph (f)(1) and paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, at any time after the initial functional test required in paragraph (f)(1) and paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, you may modify the electrical configuration of the steering system following the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Recommended) N. 80-0285, dated September 30, 2013 (includes Confirmation Slip), or the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Recommended) N. 80-0286, Rev. 1, dated September 30, 2013 (includes Confirmation Slip), as applicable.
