Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21118 · Flight controls
AERMACCHI S.p.A. Airplanes
This AD applies to AERMACCHI S.p.A. Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for AERMACCHI S.p.A. Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks on the body of the flap actuators. The FAA is issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
For purposes of this AD, a serviceable part is a flap actuator part number (P/N) SF260-12-215-01, SF260-12-215-101, or SF260-12-215-09 that has:
(1) Accumulated less than 1,000 hours total time-in-service (TIS); or
(2) Passed the fluorescent dye penetrant inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD:
(1) Within the compliance time listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii), whichever occurs later, do a fluorescent dye penetrant inspection of the flap actuator, P/N SF260-12-215-01, P/N SF260-12-215-101, or P/N SF260-12-215-09, for cracks and damage by following Annex A of Leonardo Aircraft Alert Service Bulletin No. 260SB-166, dated May 27, 2019 (Leonardo ASB 260SB-166). If there is a crack or any damage, before further flight, remove the flap actuator from service and replace it with a serviceable part.
(i) Before the flap actuator accumulates 1,000 hours total TIS; or
(ii) Within 10 hours TIS after May 7, 2020 (the effective date of this AD) or with 30 days after May 7, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 10 days after completing the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, report the results of the inspection to Leonardo Aircraft at the address listed in paragraph (k)(3) of this AD. Include the following information in the report: Flap actuator P/N, flap actuator serial number, hours TIS, batch number marks (if present) stamped on the body, the airplane serial number or registration (“N”) number, and a description of any cracks or damage found.
(3) As of May 7, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), do not install any flap actuator P/N SF260-12-215-01, SF260-12-215-101, or SF260-12-215-09 unless it is a serviceable part.
