Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18621 · Elevator tab control system
Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes
This AD applies to Textron Aviation, Inc. Models 310 through 310R, E310H, E310J, T310P through T310R, 310J-1, 320 through 320F, 320-1, 335, 340, 340A, 401 through 401B, 402 through 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, and 421 through 421C airplanes (type certificates 3A10, 3A25, and A7CE previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company), all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-07-24 for all Textron Aviation, Inc. Models 310 through 310R, E310H, E310J, T310P through T310R, 310J-1, 320 through 320F, 320-1, 335, 340, 340A, 401 through 401B, 402 through 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, and 421 through 421C airplanes (type certificates 3A10, 3A25, and A7CE previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company). AD 2016-07-24 required replacement and repetitive inspections of the hardware securing the elevator trim tab push-pull rod. This AD retains the actions for AD 2016-07-24 but revises the repetitive inspection intervals and allows for a longer bolt for the attachment of the elevator trim tab actuator rod end to the push-pull tube connection and/or for the elevator trim tab horn end to the push-pull tube connection. This AD was prompted by comments indicating difficulties with bolt installation and requesting a revision to repetitive inspection intervals to coincide with established inspection intervals. We are issuing this AD to prevent jamming of the elevator trim tab in a position outside the normal limits of travel due to the loss of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab actuator to the elevator trim tab push-pull rod, which could result in loss of control.
Do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (3) of this AD. If paragraph (f)(1) of this AD has already been done before September 12, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) following either Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin (SB) No. MEB-27-02, dated February 29, 2016 (see paragraph (g) of this AD) or Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin (SB) No. MEB-27-02, Revision 1, dated June 15, 2016, then credit can be taken and the only required actions are the repetitive actions of paragraphs (f)(2) and (3) of this AD.
(1) Within the next 90 days after September 12, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), replace the elevator trim tab push-pull rod attachment hardware on the elevator trim tab actuator and the trim tab ends of the push-pull rod following steps 3 through 6 of the accomplishment instructions in Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin (SB) No. MEB-27-02, Revision 1, dated June 15, 2016.
(2) Following the replacement required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or the replacement or previous repetitive general visual inspection done per AD 2016-07-24, whichever occurs later, repetitively conduct general visual inspections of the elevator trim tab push-pull rod attachment hardware on the elevator trim tab actuator and the trim tab ends of the push-pull rod at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first. Before further flight, replace the hardware if necessary following the Compliance NOTE on page 1 of Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin (SB) No. MEB-27-02, Revision 1, dated June 15, 2016.
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2) of this AD: The intent is to require these repetitive inspections during your regular maintenance schedule.
(3) After September 12, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), any time the elevator trim tab push-pull rod attachment hardware on the elevator trim tab actuator and/or trim tab ends of the push-pull rod is removed for any reason, discard the old hardware (bolt, nut, washer and cotter pin) and replace with new hardware following steps 4 and/or step 6 of Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin (SB) No. MEB-27-02, Revision 1, dated June 15, 2016.
This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs (f)(1) of this AD if done before September 12, 2016 (the effective date of this AD) following the instructions of Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna) Multi-engine Service Bulletin (SB) No. MEB-27-02, dated February 29, 2016.
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
