Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18849 · Wings
American Champion Aircraft Corp.
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2018-14-06. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to the following American Champion Aircraft Corp. Model 8KCAB airplanes that are certificated in any category:
(i) Serial numbers 1116-2012 through 1120-2012, and 1122-2012 and up; and
(ii) any Model 8KCAB airplane equipped with part number 4-2142 exposed balance ailerons.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain American Champion Aircraft Corp. Model 8KCAB airplanes. This AD requires fabrication and installation of a placard to prohibit aerobatic flight, inspection of the aileron hinge rib and support, and a reporting requirement of the inspection results to the FAA. This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked hinge support and cracked hinge ribs, which resulted in partial loss of control with the aileron binding against the cove. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
As of April 12, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), the airplane is restricted to non-aerobatic flight until the actions required in paragraphs (h)(1) through (3) of this AD are done, as applicable. This restriction is done as follows:
(1) Before further flight after April 12, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), fabricate a placard using at least 1/8 inch letters with the words “AEROBATIC FLIGHT PROHIBITED” on it and install the placard on the instrument panel within the pilot's clear view.
(2) This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(1) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 12, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the aileron hinge rib and support following American Champion Aircraft Corporation Service Letter (SL) 442, dated February 16, 2017.
(2) If no cracks are found, during the inspection required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, the placard prohibiting aerobatic flight required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD can be removed.
(3) If cracks are found during the inspection required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, no further flight is permitted until an FAA-approved repair for this AD has been accomplished. There is currently no fix for airplanes with cracks in this area so such airplanes could not be operated until a repair that was FAA-approved specifically for the AD is incorporated.
(4) Within 10 days after the inspection required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD or within 10 days after April 12, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, report the inspection results to the FAA at the Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). Submit the report to the FAA using the contact information found in paragraph (j) of this AD. Include in the report the following information:
(i) Hours TIS on the airplane since the affected part was installed,
(ii) crack length, and
(iii) location for all cracks found.
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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.
