AD 2022-20-10 Identifies The Unsafe Condition As Corrosion Causing Failure Of The Upper Rudder Hinge

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68, P.68B, P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 “Observer,” P.68TC “Observer,” P.68 “Observer 2,” and P.68R airplanes.

This AD results from 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 corrosion causing failure of the upper rudder hinge. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the upper and lower rudder hinges for corrosion, cracking, and damage, and depending on the inspection results, taking corrective action. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 28, 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 all Vulcanair S.p.A. Model P.68, P.68B, P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 “Observer,” P.68TC “Observer,” P.68 “Observer 2,” and P.68R airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 8, 2022 (87 FR 40755). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2021-0267, dated November 24, 2021 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union.

The MCAI states:

• Occurrences were reported of failures of the upper rudder hinge on P.68 aeroplanes due to corrosion, which can occur if the aeroplane is operated in an environment which may favour the formation of corrosion.
• This condition, if not detected and corrected, could interfere with rudder movement and ultimately lead to failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the aeroplane.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, Vulcanair issued the SL [Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter No. 23, Revision 2, dated September 29, 2021] and updated the applicable AMM [Aircraft Maintenance Manual], as defined in this [EASA] AD, to provide inspection instructions.
• For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of the upper and lower rudder hinges and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the upper and lower rudder hinges for corrosion, cracking, and damage, and depending on the inspection results, taking corrective action. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0813.

FMI: www.regulations.gov