AD 2021-20-20 Requires Inspecting The Angle Of The Support Bracket On The Wing Leading Edge Tank Fuel

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL 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 installation of the wing leading edge tank fuel pickup assembly in a pre-stressed condition, which could cause cracks in the wing spar web or the fuel pickup assembly pipe. This AD requires inspecting the angle of the support bracket on the wing leading edge tank fuel pickup assembly and taking any necessary corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 22, 2021.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2021 (86 FR 38615). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for New Zealand. The CAA of New Zealand has issued AD No. DCA/750XL/36, effective date February 7, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes.

The MCAI states:

• DCA/750XL/36 is prompted by a review of the installation of the wing leading edge fuel pickup assemblies. It was found that the fuel pickup assemblies could have been installed in a pre-stressed condition, which could result in cracks in the wing spar web, or cracks in the fuel pickup pipe. The [CAA] AD is issued to introduce the instructions in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/109 issue 1, dated 16 January 2019.

The MCAI requires inspecting the installation of the fuel pickup assembly and the wing spar web on both wings and, if any defects are found, taking all necessary corrective actions.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0576.

FMI: www.regulations.gov