Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21340 · Flight controls
Aerostar Aircraft Corporation Airplanes
This AD applies to Aerostar Aircraft Corporation Model PA-60-601P (Aerostar 601P), PA-60-602P (Aerostar 602P), and PA-60-700P (Aerostar 700P) airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Aerostar Aircraft Corporation (Aerostar) Model PA-60-601P (Aerostar 601P), PA-60-602P (Aerostar 602P), and PA-60-700P (Aerostar 700P) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the elevator and aileron balance tubes. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the elevator and aileron balance tubes for corrosion and rust and replacing the tube. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the elevator and aileron balance tubes for corrosion (pitting and flaking) and rust (discoloration) by following steps 1. through 3. of Part I (Inspection) of the Instructions in Aerostar Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin SB600-138, dated August 30, 2018 (Aerostar SB600-138). For each tube replaced as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, using a borescope, repeat the inspection within 10 years after replacing the tube and thereafter as follows:
(1) At intervals not to exceed 10 years as long as no rust is found.
(2) At intervals not to exceed 2 years if only rust is found (without any signs of corrosion).
At the following compliance times, replace each elevator and aileron balance tube by following Part II (Replacement) of the Instructions in Aerostar SB600-138, except you are not required to report information to the manufacturer:
(1) Before further flight if corrosion or rust is found (inside or outside the tubes) during the initial inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) At the next 100-hour inspection or at the next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, if no corrosion and no rust is found (inside or outside the tubes) during the initial inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(3) Before further flight if corrosion is found (inside or outside the tubes) during any repetitive inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
