AD 2021-26-15 Requires Inspecting The Stabilator Trim Control Cables And Replacing If Necessary

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain km, Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 “OBSERVER,” P.68 OBSERVER 2, P.68R, and P.68TC OBSERVER 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 a damaged stabilator trim control cable. This AD requires inspecting the stabilator trim control cables and replacing if necessary. This AD also requires reporting the results of each inspection to Vulcanair S.p.A. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective February 15, 2022.

Supplementary Information: 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 Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 “OBSERVER,” P.68 OBSERVER 2, P.68R, and P.68TC OBSERVER airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2021 (86 FR 56229). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0262, dated November 30, 2020 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition on certain serial-numbered Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68R, P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 “OBSERVER,” P.68 “OBSERVER 2,” and P.68TC “OBSERVER” airplanes. The MCAI states:

• Two occurrences have been reported of finding a damaged stabilator trim control cable connected to the stabilator trim actuator assembly, mounted on fuselage frame No.16. The related technical investigation concluded that the cause of the damage is a design issue.
• This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of an affect [sic] part, preventing trim surface control (remaining in the last position), possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, and pending a design improvement, Vulcanair published the [service bulletin] SB, to provide inspection instructions for detecting damage.
• For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of the affected parts, and, depending on findings, replacement.
• This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further [EASA] AD action may follow.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0871.

FMI: www.regulations.gov