Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22523 · Elevator structure
Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Airplanes
This AD applies to the following Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes, certificated in any category:
(1) Serial numbers (S/N) 1002, 1034 through 1234 inclusive, 3001 through 3014 inclusive, 3016, and 3018; and
(2) S/N 1004 through 1033 inclusive if modified in accordance with Piaggio Service Bulletin 80-0142.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion-induced cracking on the horizontal tail trim actuator (HTTA) fitting assembly. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the HTTA fitting assembly for corrosion and cracking until the HTTA fitting assembly is replaced with a new part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) For purposes of this AD, “light corrosion” is corrosion that does not exceed a depth of 0.15 millimeter (mm) and does not extend beyond 1 square inch (645.2 square mm).
(2) For purposes of this AD, a “new part” is a part with zero hours time-in-service (TIS).
Within the compliance time for your airplane listed in Table 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD, do a high frequency eddy current inspection of HTTA fitting assembly part number (P/N) 80-363283-401 for corrosion and cracking in accordance with Section 2.B., Part A, Steps (11) through (14) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0492, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2023.
Based on the result of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, do the applicable corrective action within the applicable compliance time specified in Table 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD.
Replacing the HTTA fitting assembly with a new part in accordance with Piaggio Aerospace Temporary Revision TR-031 to Chapter 51-70-70, dated May 29, 2023, to the Piaggio P.180 Structural Repair Manual constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (i) of this AD for that airplane.
You may take credit for the initial inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD if you performed the initial inspection before the effective date of this AD using Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0492, Revision 2, dated May 15, 2023.
Report to the manufacturer the results of each inspection required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD within the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (2) of this AD using the Confirmation Slip attached to Piaggio Aerospace Service Bulletin 80-0492, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2023.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
