Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19070 · Flight controls
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Airplanes
This AD applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. P-180 airplanes, serial numbers 1002, 1004 through 1220, that are:
(1) Equipped with flight control surfaces part numbers (P/Ns) and serial numbers (S/Ns) not listed in table 1 of PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin N.: 80-0455, dated: January 13, 2017 (PAI SB No. 80-0455); and
(2) 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) originated 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 disbonding of the upper and lower metal skin from the honeycomb core on the elevator assembly and other flight control surfaces. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (8) of this AD. The parts affected by this AD are all left hand (LH) forward flaps, right hand (RH) forward flaps, main wing LH inboard flaps, main wing RH inboard flaps, LH ailerons, RH ailerons, LH elevators, and RH elevators, hereafter referred to as “affected control surface” in this AD.
(1) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after November 16, 2017 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 200 hours TIS after the last coin tapping inspection of the affected control surface following PAI Non-Destructive Test Manual (NDTM) 180-MAN-0300-01107, Chapter 51-00-01; whichever occurs later, do a coin tapping inspection of each affected control surface. Repetitively thereafter inspect at the intervals specified in paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (ii). Follow Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions in PAI SB No. 80-0455.
(i) Do two repetitive inspections at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS; and
(ii) Repetitively thereafter inspect at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS.
(2) If damage is found during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, repair or replace as necessary each damaged affected control surface following Part B and/or C of the Accomplishment Instructions in PAI SB No. 80-0455.
(3) Within 50 hours TIS after the repair of an affected control surface as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, do a coin tapping inspection of that repaired affected control surface. Repetitively thereafter inspect at the intervals specified in paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD. Follow the instructions in PAI SB No. 80-0455.
(i) Do two repetitive inspections at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS; and
(ii) Repetitively thereafter inspect at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS.
(4) If damage is found during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, before further flight, repair or replace as necessary each damaged affected control surface following the instructions in Part B and/or C of the Accomplishment Instructions in PAI SB No. 80-0455.
(5) Repair of an affected control surface, as required by paragraph (f)(2) or (4) of this AD, does not constitute terminating action for repetitive inspections as required by this AD for that affected control surface, unless the FAA-approved repair instructions specify otherwise.
(6) Replacement of the affected part on an airplane with a part listed in table 1 of PAI SB No. 80-0455, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD for that part.
(7) You may incorporate the actions of PAI SB No. 80-0455, into your FAA-approved airplane inspection program (AIP) or maintenance program (instructions for continued airworthiness) to ensure the continuing airworthiness of each operated airplane.
(8) After November 16, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), you may install on an airplane an affected control surface not listed in table 1 of PAI SB No. 80-0455, provided that before further flight after installation, the affected control surface has been inspected as specified in this AD and found airworthy.
