Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21874 · Stabilizer control system
Vulcanair S.p.A. Airplanes
This AD applies to Vulcanair S.p.A. (Vulcanair) Model P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 “OBSERVER,” P.68 OBSERVER 2, P.68R, and P.68TC OBSERVER airplanes, serial numbers 333, 337 to 339 inclusive, 378, 379, and 383 and larger (except serial numbers 387 and 398), certificated in any category, with a stabilator trim control cable part number 5.6067-1, 5.6161-1, 5.6171-1, 5.6231-2, or 5.6231-4 installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain km, Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 "OBSERVER," P.68 OBSERVER 2, P.68R, and P.68TC OBSERVER airplanes. This AD was prompted by 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 identifies the unsafe condition as a damaged stabilator trim control cable. This AD requires inspecting the stabilator trim control cables and replacing if necessary. This AD also requires reporting the results of each inspection to Vulcanair S.p.A. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Before a stabilator trim control cable part number 5.6067-1, 5.6161-1, 5.6171-1, 5.6231-2, or 5.6231-4 accumulates more than 400 hours time-in-service (TIS) since first installation on an airplane or within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspect the stabilator trim control cable for broken wires and replace the stabilator trim control cable before further flight if there is broken wire in a strand in accordance with steps 1 through 22 of Part 2 Work Procedure in Vulcanair S.p.A. P.68 Variants Service Bulletin No. 263, dated October 20, 2020.
Within 14 days after the initial inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD or within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, report the results of the initial inspection to Vulcanair at continued.airworthiness@vulcanaair.com or at the address in paragraph (l)(3) of this AD. Thereafter, report the inspection results within 14 days after each inspection. Each report must include the following information:
(1) Owner/operator name, mailing address, phone number, and email address;
(2) Airplane model, serial number, and registration number;
(3) Airplane hours TIS at the time of the inspection;
(4) Stabilator trim control cable hours TIS at the time of the inspection;
(5) Date of the inspection;
(6) Inspection result (positive or negative); and
(7) A description of any non-conformity (damage).
