Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22629 · Control column section
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model PA-46-350P airplanes, serial numbers 4636811 through 4636814 inclusive and 4636816 through 4636829 inclusive.
(2) Model PA-46-500TP airplanes, serial numbers 4697692 through 4697700 inclusive.
(3) Model PA-46-600TP airplanes, serial numbers 4698224 through 4698240 inclusive and 4698242 through 4698274 inclusive.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-350P, PA-46-500TP, and PA-46-600TP airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a bearing fell out of a control column mount during routine handling prior to installation in an affected airplane and the discovery that a quality escape condition could exist on other airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the left and right control column mounts to determine if a retaining ring is installed. If a retaining ring is not installed, this AD requires inspecting the bearing in the mount block for the presence of retaining compound, and depending on the inspection results, installing a retaining ring and applying retaining compound to the bearing, as applicable. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, do all applicable actions identified as “RC” (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with Part III. of the Instructions in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1409A, dated November 21, 2023 (Piper SB 1409A).
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.
