AD NUMBER: 2015-19-10

PRODUCT: Certain Models SA26-AT, SA26-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), and SA227-TT airplanes.

ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-02-02 for the products listed above.

AD 97-02-02 required applying torque to the control column pitch bearing attaching nuts, inspecting the bearing assembly, inspecting the elevator control rod end bearing retainer/dust seals, and replacing or installing new parts as necessary.

This new AD requires inspecting for movement and correct torque of the elevator control pivot bearing, inspecting the elevator control rod for damage and correct configuration, and replacing parts as necessary. This AD also requires a 10,000-hour time-in-service (TIS) repetitive replacement of the control column pivot bearing and elevator control rod bolt and requires replacement of the control column pivot bearing with the improved design by 35,000 hours TIS.

This AD was prompted by loss of elevator control due to failure of the bolt attaching the elevator control rod to the elevator walking beam under the cockpit floor.

DATES: This AD is effective November 3, 2015

FMI: AD