Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

Airworthiness Directives; Britten-Norman Aerospace Ltd. Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Britten-Norman Aerospace Ltd. Model BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN- 2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A- 27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, BN2T-4R, and BN2T-4S airplanes; and certain Model BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the determination that, in order to ensure the continued structural integrity of certain landing gear and associated components, it is necessary to require removal of these components from service prior to exceeding established fatigue lives. This AD requires determining the number of landings on affected main landing gears (MLGs), nose landing gears (NLGs), and associated components; removing from service any part that has reached or exceeded the established fatigue life and installing a replacement part; and prohibiting the installation of any affected part unless the number of landings for that part is below the established fatigue life. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd. Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Britten-Norman Aircraft, Ltd. Model BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN- 2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B- 20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B27, BN-2T, BN2T-4R, and BN2T-4S airplanes; and Model BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 airplanes. This AD is prompted by reports of electrical cable (Koiled Kord) and flight control cables interference with the control column. This AD requires inspecting for interference between the control column, rudder pedal adjuster cable, and any wiring (including the Koiled Kord) concurrently with performing a flight control full and free movement inspection, and taking corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN- 2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN- 2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R 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 failure of the rudder final drive rod because of cracks in the region of the taper pins. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the rudder final drive rod assembly and replacing the rudder final drive assembly, if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2016-06-01 for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN- 2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B- 21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and A29EU) 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 describes the unsafe condition as cracks in the inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads. This AD changes model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016-06-01. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-03-18 for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN- 2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B- 21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III- 3 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as damage of the cable sliding end assembly and installation of the incorrect end fitting on engine control cable assemblies. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, BN2A MK. III-3, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2A-3, BN-2A- 6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as inadequate sealing of the fuel filler cap (fuel tank cap) and the fuel filler receptacle (fuel tank opening), which could lead to contaminated fuel and result in in-flight shutdown of the engine. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Model BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R Series (All Individual Models Included in Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) A17EU, Revision 16, Dated December 9, 2002) Airplanes

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all B-N Group Ltd. BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R series (all individual models included in Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) A17EU, Revision 16, dated December 9, 2002) airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts and anchor nuts for damage and wear and replace damaged and/or worn parts with new, modified parts. If no damaged or worn parts are found during the inspection, this AD requires you to replace the horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts and anchor nuts at a specified time with new, modified parts. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged and/or worn horizontal stabilizer attachment bolts and anchor nuts, which could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer. This failure could result in loss of control.

Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN-2T-4R Series (All Individual Models Included in Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) A17EU, Revision 16, Dated December 9, 2002) Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2 and BN2A Mk. III Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman (Pilatus Britten-Norman) Limited BN-2 and BN2A Mk. III series airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the universal joints on the pilot's and co-pilot's control column to determine the diameter of the shaft and replace any universal joint that is the wrong size. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct the installation of universal joints that have the wrong- sized shaft, which could result in failure of the pilot's and/or co- pilot's control column. Such failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2A and BN2A Mk. III Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-14- 01, which currently applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2A and BN2A Mk. III series airplanes. AD 97-14-01 requires repetitively inspecting the left-hand rudder bar assembly for cracks, measuring the slider tube unit wall thickness, and modifying the rudder bar assembly by installing a slider tube unit of improved design as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. AD 97-14-01 resulted from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. Reports of cracks being found on the right-hand rudder bar assembly and the inadvertent omission of requiring inspection of the rudder pedal beams prompted this action. This AD retains the requirements of AD 97-14-01 and requires inspections of the right-hand rudder bar assembly and each rudder pedal beam. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the pilot's and co-pilot's rudder bar assemblies, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN2T and BN2T-4R Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN2T and BN2T-4R series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the left and right engine-mounting frame for cracks and replace the frame if cracks are found. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the left and right engine- mounting frame, which could lead to engine mount failure. Such failure could result in separation of the engine from the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Britten Norman (Bembridge) Limited BN2A Mk. III Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Britten Norman (Bembridge) Limited (Britten Norman) BN2A Mk. III series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the rear engine-mounting frame for cracks and replace the frame if cracks are found. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the rear engine-mounting frame, which could lead to engine mount failure. Such failure could result in separation of the engine from the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN2A MK. III Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN2A MK. III series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the bottom corner of the engine mount bracket for cracks and replace any cracked bracket with a new one. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the engine mount bracket. Such a condition could cause the engine mount assembly to fail, which could result in the engine separating from the airplane and lead to loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN2A MK. III Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2, BN-2A,BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN2A MK. III series airplanes. This AD requires you to replace the emergency exit window sealant. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct the problems with emergency exit windows failing to open. Such failure could lead to the inability to exit the airplane in an emergency.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN2A MK. III Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN2A MK. III series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect certain oleo attachment brackets for cracks and replace any cracked bracket found during any inspection. In working with the United Kingdom, we have determined that the bracket may, as an option, be replaced with a newly designed steel bracket, increasing the length of time between the repetitive inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct cracked oleo attachment brackets. Such a condition could cause the attachment bracket to fail, which could result in detachment of the main landing gear.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus Britten- Norman) BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the inboard brackets of the elevator outboard hinge for loose rivets, structural damage, or cracks and replace any suspect bracket. This AD also requires you to replace the hinge bracket at a certain time period if no discrepancies are found. This replacement includes modifying this area and installing modified brackets. This replacement allows you to increase the time period between inspections (reduce the number of repetitive inspections). This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct inboard brackets of the elevator outboard hinge with loose rivets, structural damage, or cracks. Such conditions could cause the outboard elevator to become loose with a consequent reduction in elevator and airplane control.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, BN-2T-4, and BN2A MK. III Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN- 2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, BN-2T-4, and BN2A MK. III series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the throttle friction- shaft and replace the shaft if damaged. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct loosening of the throttle friction adjustment beyond its normal limits. Such a condition could lead to damage to the throttle friction-adjuster or the retaining washer and split pin. This could allow the throttle quadrant shaft to laterally shift and impede the operation of the engine controls.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN- 2A, BN-2B, and BN-2A MK. 111 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (PBN) BN-2, BN-2A, BN- 2B, and BN-2A MK. 111 series airplanes that are equipped with a PBN Modification NB/M/256, 50A generator system. This AD requires inspecting the airplanes that are equipped with a 50A generator system for a 70A generator. If a 70A generator is installed, this AD requires replacing the 70A generator with a 50A generator, or (for the BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2B series only) upgrading the airplane generator system to a 70A system to match the 70A generator. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct damage to the components of the electrical system, which could result in electrical system failure during critical phases of flight.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN- 2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN- 2, BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the attachment bolts, nuts and washers of the lower fitting of the main landing gear (MLG), and adjusting the torque values of the nuts. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the bolts that attach the lower fitting of the MLG to the nacelle from becoming threadbound, which could result in structural failure of the MLG with consequent loss of control of the airplane during takeoff, taxi, or landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN- 2A, and BN-2B Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-03- 03, which applies to certain Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus) BN- 2, BN-2A, and BN-2B series airplanes that do not have Modification NB/ M/1571 generator terminal diodes installed. AD 97-03-03 currently requires the installation of higher capacity diodes on the generator switches regardless of whether the airplane is equipped with the original 50 amp DC generating system or a Modification NB/M/1148, which is a 70 amp system. This action retains the actions of AD 97-03-03, but modifies the applicability section to reflect that this AD does not apply to Pilatus BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2B series airplanes with 50 amp DC generation systems installed. This AD is the result of reports that the applicability section of AD 97-03-03 is incorrect. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a loss of electrical power to the navigation, communications, and lighting systems, which could impair the pilot's ability to maintain control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited Models BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T Series airplanes. This action requires revising the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to specify procedures that would prohibit flight in severe icing conditions (as determined by certain visual cues), limit or prohibit the use of various flight control devices while in severe icing conditions, and provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and procedures for exiting from, severe icing conditions. This AD is prompted by the results of a review of the requirements for certification of these airplanes in icing conditions, new information on the icing environment, and icing data provided currently to the flight crew. The actions specified by this AD are intended to minimize the potential hazards associated with operating these airplanes in severe icing conditions by providing more clearly defined procedures and limitations associated with such conditions.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. Models BN- 2, BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (PBN) BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes. This action requires modifying the upper engine mounting brackets on the wing front spar as terminating action for the repetitive inspections that were required in AD 84-23-06. AD 84-23-06 is being revised in a separate action, deleting the Pilatus BN-2, BN- 2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes from its applicability. This AD is prompted by several reports of cracks in the upper engine mounting brackets and a new terminating action to eliminate the repetitive inspections for Pilatus BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the failure of the upper engine mounting brackets on the wing mounted engines, which could possibly cause structural failure of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. Models BN- 2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN-2A MK. 111 Series Airplanes

This amendment revises airworthiness directive (AD) 84-23-06, which currently requires repetitively inspecting the upper mounting brackets, bolts, and bushings on wing mounted engines for cracks, wear, and insufficient fit on certain Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus) Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN-2A MK. 111 series airplanes, and replacing any cracked, worn, or ill-fitting part. This action retains the same action required in AD 84-23-06, except the action is only applicable to the BN-2A MK. 111 series airplanes. This action is the result of a terminating modification, now available to the Pilatus Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T airplanes, which removes them from the applicability of AD 84-23-06. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the upper mounting brackets on wing mounted engines, which could possibly cause structural failure of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Formerly Britten-Norman) BN2A MK. 111 Series Airplanes

This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 86-07-02, which currently requires repetitively inspecting the junction of the torque link lug and upper case of the main landing gear (MLG) torque link assemblies for cracks on Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2A, BN-2B, BN-2T, and BN2A MK. 111 series airplanes, and replacing any part found cracked with a like part. This AD removes from the applicability the BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes, and retains the repetitive inspection and replacement (if necessary) requirements of AD 86-07-02 for the BN2A MK. 111 series airplanes. This AD results from the Federal Aviation Administration's determination that additional AD action needs to be taken on the BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes. This additional action will be addressed in a separate AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the main landing gear caused by cracks in the torque link area, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Formerly Britten-Norman) BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive that applies to Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the junction of the torque link lug and upper case of the main landing gear (MLG) torque link assemblies for cracks, and replacing any MLG torque link assembly with a Modification A39 MLG torque link assembly, either immediately when cracks are found or after a certain period of time if cracks are not found. Replacing all MLG torque link assemblies with Modification A39 MLG torque link assemblies eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections. These repetitive inspections are currently required by AD 86-07-02 for the BN-2A, BN-2B, and BN-2T series airplanes, as well as the BN2A MK. 111 series airplanes. There are no improved design parts for the BN2A MK. 111 series airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing in a separate action a revision to AD 86-07-02 to retain the repetitive inspection and replacement (if necessary) requirements for the BN2A MK. 111 series airplanes. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the main landing gear caused by cracks in the torque link area, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2A and BN-2A Mk 111 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-24- 07 R1, which currently requires repetitively inspecting the left-hand (LH) rudder bar assembly for cracks and loose fasteners on certain Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2A and BN-2A Mk 111 series airplanes, and replacing any cracked part. The superseding action requires inspecting the LH rudder bar assembly and determining the wall thickness of the slider tube unit. This action also would require modifying the rudder bar assembly by replacing the LH slider tube with a new strengthened slider tube unit as terminating action for the repetitive inspections currently required by AD 75-24-07 R1. The development of a modification to the rudder bar assembly, which terminates the repetitive inspections required by AD 75-24-07 R1, prompted this AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the pilot's rudder bar assembly, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. BN-2, BN- 2A, and BN-2B Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2B series airplanes that do not have generator terminal diodes installed with Modification NB/M/1571. This action requires removing the terminal diodes that have a 70 amp direct current (DC) Generation System, which is referred to as Modification NB/M/1148, and installing Modification NB/M/1571, which consists of new terminal diodes with a higher amp rating. Reports from operators that one or both diodes were failing prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of electrical power to the navigation, communications, and light systems, which could impair the pilot's ability to maintain control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (formerly Britten-Norman) BN-2A and BN2A MK. 111 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-26- 15, which currently requires repetitively inspecting the aileron mass balance clamp unit attachment for looseness on Pilatus Britten-Norman Ltd. (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2A and BN2A MK. 111 series airplanes, and modifying the aileron and mass balance clamp unit if any looseness is found. The Federal Aviation Administration's policy on aging commuter-class aircraft is to eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of certain repetitive short-interval inspections when improved parts or modifications are available. This action retains the repetitive inspections required by AD 75-26-15, and requires modifying the aileron and mass balance unit (at a certain time) as terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the aileron mass balance attachment, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A, BN2B, and BN2T Islander Series and BN2A Mk III Trislander Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A, BN2B, and BN2T Islander and BN2A Mk III Trislander series airplanes that are equipped with a nose wheel steering disconnect system with either a Modification NB/M/503 or Modification NB/M/733 nose undercarriage unit. This action requires repetitively inspecting the nose wheel steering drive ring for cracks, and replacing any cracked drive ring. A report of the rudder pedals jamming in the central position during takeoff on one of the affected airplanes prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to [[Page 12409]] prevent failure of the nose wheel steering system because of a cracked drive ring, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in the inability to move the rudder pedals.