Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18273 · Fuselage
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Airplanes
This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A P-180 Model P-180 airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 1004 through 1033, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) 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 the need to restore the safe fatigue life of the bulkhead structure. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(2) through (f)(4) of this AD at whichever of the following compliance times occurs later:
(i) Within 1,500 hours time-in-service (TIS) after November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), but not to exceed 6,000 hours total hours TIS on the airplane; or
(ii) Within 200 hours TIS after November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD) or 6 months after November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first.
(2) Inspect (visually or using a standard endoscope) the forward pressurized bulkhead to verify presence of bulkhead reinforcement following Part A1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 80-0081, Revision No. 3, dated: January 20, 2015.
(i) If the inspection results indicate that the reinforcements are properly installed, ascertain (visually or by means of standard endoscope equipment) that there are no cracks or defects. If cracks or defects are identified, before further flight, contact Piaggio Aero Industries at the address specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair scheme, approved specifically for this AD, and incorporate that repair.
(ii) If the inspection results indicate that the reinforcements are not installed, reinforce the forward pressurized bulkhead following Part A2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 80-0081, Revision No. 3, dated: January 20, 2015.
(3) Modify the forward pressurized bulkhead following Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 80-0081, Revision No. 3, dated: January 20, 2015.
(4) This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs (f)(2)(ii) and (f)(3) of this AD if done before November 3, 2015 (the effective date of this AD) following the instructions of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 80-0081, Original Issue, dated: April 28, 1997; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 80-0081, Revision No. 1, dated: May 11, 2010; or PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Service Bulletin 80-0081, Revision No. 2, dated: July 19, 2010.