19 September 2012
The FAA has published two Airworthiness Directives that affect the Piper General Aviation fleet.
A final rule published on Monday affects 3,100 Piper Comanches (models PA-24, PA-24-250, and PA-24-260), requiring inspections of the stabilator horn assembly, prompted by reports of cracks and corrosion developing in the assembly. According to the FAA, failure of the stabilator horn could lead to a loss of pitch control in flight. The rule can be found <a href=’https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/17/2012-22529/airworthiness-directives-piper-aircraft-inc-airplanes’ target=’_blank’>here.</a>
A proposed rule published <a href=’https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/18/2012-22953/airworthiness-directives-piper-aircraft-inc-airplanes’ target=’_blank’>here</a> published affects approximately 1,000 Piper twins, models PA-31, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350. The rule would supersede an existing AD that requires repetitive inspections of the exhaust system.
“Since we issued that AD, forced landings of aircraft have occurred due to exhaust system failures upstream of aircraft turbochargers and between recurring detailed inspections,” the FAA said. “This proposed AD would require both visual and detailed repetitive inspections, expanding the inspection scope to include the entirety of each airplane exhaust system. We are proposing this AD to prevent the possibility of an inflight powerplant fire due to an exhaust system failure.” Comments on the proposed rule can be added until 2 November.
