AD 2020-16-16 Due To Unsafe Condition As The Outer Race Of Bearing Migrating Out Of The Aileron Pivot Fork

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the outer race of bearing migrating out of the aileron pivot fork on the control column. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective September 7, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 7, 2020. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 7, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for New Zealand, has issued AD No. DCA/750XL/33A, dated February 7, 2019 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes. The MCAI states: DCA/750XL/33A is prompted by a report of finding the outer race of bearing P/N NA4901-2RSR migrating out of an aileron pivot fork on a control column of a 750XL aircraft. The [CAA] AD is issued to introduce retaining washers to the aileron pivot bearings in accordance with the instructions in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/115 issue 3, dated 21 January 2019. This issue 3 MSB introduces alternate washer P/N AN960-516 for P/N AN960-516L. The issue 2 MSB introduced alternate bolts for P/N NAS6605D60. The original design of the aileron pivot bearings did not have the retaining hardware. After the design was revised and the retaining hardware was added to the design drawing, production did not follow the drawing. As a result, aileron pivot bearings were installed on the affected airplanes without retaining hardware. Without the retaining hardware, the outer race of the bearing can slip out of the aileron pivot fork, which may lead to excessive play in the control column.

FMI: www.regulations.gov, Docket No. FAA-2020-0743