Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19326 · Wings
American Champion Aircraft Corp.
This AD applies to any American Champion Aircraft Corp. Model 8KCAB airplane, certificated in any category, that either has:
(1) A serial number in the range of 1116-2012 through 1120-2012 or 1122-2012 through 1170-2017; or
(2) Is equipped with part number 4-2142 exposed balance ailerons.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) (AD) 2017-07- 10 for certain American Champion Aircraft Corp. (ACAC) Model 8KCAB airplanes. AD 2017-07-10 required 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 requires repetitive inspections of the aileron hinge support, installation of the aileron hinge support reinforcement kit, and incorporation of revised pages into the service manual. 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 address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Before further flight after April 12, 2017 (the effective date retained from AD 2017-07-10), 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) through (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 retained from AD 2017-07-10), inspect the aileron hinge rib and support for cracks or other damage by following American Champion Aircraft Corporation Service Letter (SL) 442, dated February 16, 2017, or American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter (SL) 442, Revision A, dated August 18, 2017 (ACAC SL No. 442, Revision A).
(2) If no cracks or other damage is found during the initial 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) Within 100 hours TIS from the initial inspection required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD or within 10 hours TIS after August 17, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the aileron hinge rib and support for cracks or other damage following ACAC SL No. 442, Revision A.
(4) If cracks or other damage is found during any inspection required in paragraph (h)(1) or (3) of this AD, before further flight, replace any retained parts or structure that are cracked or damaged, and install the aileron hinge reinforcement kit by following American Champion Aircraft Corp. Service Letter 444, dated August 18, 2017 (ACAC SL No. 444). Unless already removed as specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, after completing the corrective actions required by this paragraph, the placard prohibiting aerobatic flight required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD can be removed.
(5) Within 400 hours after the initial inspection required in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if not already done as required in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD, install the aileron hinge reinforcement kit following the procedures in ACAC SL No. 444.
(6) After installation of the aileron hinge reinforcement kit required in paragraph (h)(4) or (5) of this AD, as applicable, insert page 4-1, Manual Revision B, of the Airworthiness Limitations section and page 5-9, Manual Revision B, of the Time and Maintenance Checks section, both dated October 3, 2017, from the American Champion Aircraft Corporation SM-601 8KCAB Service Manual, Reissue B, dated October 3, 2017, into the maintenance program (service manual).
(7) Installing the aileron hinge reinforcement kit as required in paragraph (h)(4) or (h)(5) of this AD and the insertion of page 4-1, Manual Revision B, of the Airworthiness Limitations section and page 5-9, Manual Revision B, of the Time and Maintenance Checks section, both dated October 3, 2017, of the American Champion Aircraft Corporation SM-601 8KCAB Service Manual, Reissue B, dated October 3, 2017, into the maintenance program (e.g., service manual), as required in paragraph (h)(6) of this AD is terminating action to this AD. The revised Airworthiness Limitations section includes a 100- hour/annual inspection requirement for the aileron hinge supports.
Although ACAC SL No. 442, Revision A, and ACAC SL No. 444 specify submitting certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
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.
