Fairchild SA226/SA227 Metro

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-AT and SA26-T airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the airplane power lever linkage detaching from the TPE331 engine propeller pitch control (PPC) shaft. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the PPC for proper torque and making any necessary corrections until the replacement of the PPC assembly and the installation of a secondary retention feature (safety wire) are done. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Models Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-T, SA226-AT, 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. This AD was prompted by detachment of the power lever linkage to the TPE331 engine propeller pitch control. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the propeller pitch control for proper torque, with corrections as necessary until required replacement or rework of the PPC assembly to have a threaded hole in the splined end of the shouldered shaft and installation of a secondary retention device is done. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models 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. This AD was prompted by corrosion and stress corrosion cracking of the pitch trim actuator upper attach fittings of the horizontal stabilizer front spar. This AD requires repetitive inspections with replacement of fittings as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC 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. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple cracks in the steel horizontal tube of the cockpit control column. This AD requires inspection of the cockpit control column horizontal tube for cracks and repair or replacement of the cockpit control column as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models 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. We received reports of failed elevator control rod ends due to corrosion and lack of lubrication. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections and lubrication of the elevator control rod ends and bearings with replacement as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-AT, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C- 26B), and SA227-TT airplanes. This AD was prompted by information that the airplane flight manual (AFM) does not provide adequate guidance in the handling of engine failures, which may lead to reliance on the negative torque system (NTS) for reducing drag. This condition could lead the pilot to not fully feather the propeller with consequent loss of control. This AD requires inserting updates into the airplane flight manual (AFM) and/or the pilot operating handbook (POH) that will clearly establish that the NTS is not designed to automatically feather the propeller but only to provide drag protection. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-02-02 for 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. 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. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-17-07 for certain M7 Aerospace LLC (type certificate previously held by M7 Aerospace LP) Models SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, and SA226-AT airplanes. AD 2011-17-07 required repetitive replacement and inspection of certain elevator, rudder, aileron, and aileron-to-rudder interconnect primary control cables, and checking and setting of flight control cable tension. This AD requires repetitively inspecting and replacing the primary flight control rudder cables, repetitively replacing all other primary flight control and trim tab cables, and checking/setting the flight control cable tension. This AD was prompted by a report of extensive damage found on the left hand primary flight control rudder cable located under the cockpit floor on one of the airplanes affected by AD 2011-17-07. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA227-AT, SA227-AC, SA227-BC, SA227-CC, and SA227- DC airplanes equipped with a bayonet shear pin main cabin door latching mechanism. This AD was prompted by fatigue cracks found in the internal door surround doubler, the fuselage external skin, and the door corner fittings at the fuselage upper forward corner of the main cabin door cutout. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the four corners of the main cabin door cutout for cracks, making necessary repairs, and reporting inspection results to M7 Aerospace LLC. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA26-T, SA26-AT, SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-TT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of jamming of the aileron control cable chain in the pilot and copilot control columns due to inadequate lubrication and maintenance of the chain. This AD requires repetitively replacing and lubricating the aileron chain, sprocket, and bearings in the control columns. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models 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), SA227- TT, SA26-AT, and SA26-T airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of airplanes with multiple fatigue cracks in the FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead. This AD requires repetitively inspecting (visually) the FS 51.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA26 series airplanes and FS 69.31 front pressure bulkhead on SA226 and SA227 series airplanes for cracks, and repairing any cracked bulkhead; this AD also requires reporting certain inspection results to M7 Aerospace LLC. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LLC Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all M7 Aerospace LLC Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, SA227-DC (C-26B), SA227-AT, and SA227-TT airplanes. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the left and right forward (main) and aft spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings for cracks and replacing any cracked fitting. This AD also requires reporting certain inspection results to the FAA. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the left and right forward (main) spar wing-to-fuselage attach fittings. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated) 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

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the cockpit heated windshields for damage and replacing damaged windshields. This AD was prompted by reports from the windshield manufacturer of inner glass ply fracture. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damage to the cockpit heated windshield, which could result in failure of the windshield with consequent rapid cabin decompression and loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP Models SA226-AT, SA226-T, SA226-TC, SA227-AC (C-26A), SA227-AT, SA227-BC (C-26A), SA227-CC, and SA227-DC (C-26B) Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 2008-12-16, which applies to certain M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. AD 2008-12-16 currently requires you to inspect wires and tube assemblies for chafing, arcing, or insufficient clearance between components. If chafing, arcing, or insufficient clearance between components is found, AD 2008-12-16 requires you to clear, repair, and/or replace all chafed wires, components, and tube assemblies. AD 2008-12-16 also requires you to cover the four-gauge wires leaving the battery box with firesleeving and secure them with a clamp. Since we issued AD 2008-12-16, M7 Aerospace LP has notified us that Model SA227-BC (C-26A) was inadvertently left out of the Applicability section of the AD, and they updated some of the service information due to parts availability. Operators have also identified issues with model applicability that needed clarification. Consequently, this AD retains the actions of AD 2008-12-16, adds Model SA227-BC (C-26A) to the Applicability section, and regroups the models for clarification. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing of electrical wires, components, and tube assemblies. This condition could result in arcing of exposed wires with consequent burning of a hole in a hydraulic line or the bleed air line. This failure could lead to a hydraulic fluid leak and a possible fire in the engine nacelle compartment.

Airworthiness Directives; M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 98-19-15 R1 and AD 2000-03-17, which apply to M7 Aerospace LP SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with certain pitch trim actuators. AD 98-19-15 R1 currently requires you to incorporate changes into the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved airplane flight manual (AFM) if certain part number (P/N) pitch trim actuators are installed. AD 2000-03-17 requires repetitive inspections and repetitive replacements of the pitch trim actuator. The repetitive inspection and repetitive replacement times vary depending on the combination of airplane model and pitch trim actuator P/N installed. Since we issued AD 98-19-15 R1 and AD 2000-03-17, we have determined that reliance on critical repetitive inspections on aging commuter-class airplanes carries an unnecessary safety risk when a design change exists that could eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of those critical inspections. Consequently, this AD retains all of the actions of the previously referenced ADs, places life limits on certain P/N pitch trim actuators, and requires the replacement of certain P/N pitch trim actuators with one of an improved design. Once installed, the improved design pitch trim actuator will terminate the AFM limitations in this AD and reduce the repetitive inspection and repetitive replacement requirements. We are issuing this AD to detect excessive freeplay or rod slippage in the pitch trim actuator, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in pitch trim actuator failure. We are also issuing this AD to lessen the severity of pitch upset if a pitch trim actuator mechanical failure occurs. These conditions could lead to possible loss of control.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) to supersede AD 99-06-02, which currently applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. AD 99-06-02 requires you to repetitively inspect the wing spar center web cutout on both wings for cracks between Wing Station (WS) 8 and WS 17.5. That AD also requires you to repair any area found cracked before further flight. The repair will eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections on that particular wing spar. Since that AD became effective, we have determined that we inadvertently omitted certain Model SA227-CC/DC airplane serial numbers from the applicability. This AD retains the actions of AD 99-06-02 and adds additional Model SA227- CC/DC airplanes to the Applicability section. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the wing spar center web cutout area, which could result in structural failure of the wing spar. This could lead to loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., SA226 Series and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild Aircraft) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the fuel boost pump wiring for any chafing, cracked insulation material, or evidence of bare wire(s) (referred to herein as damage), and replace any damaged wiring. This AD also requires you to install protective tubing around the fuel boost pump wiring harness. This AD is the result of reports of chafed fuel boost pump wiring to either the inboard or outboard boost pump wiring. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the fuel boost pump wiring from chafing, which could result in electrical arcing. This could serve as an ignition source inside the fuel tank and result in fire or explosion.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. Models SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001- 20-14, which currently requires you to replace the brake shuttle valves with parts of improved design and install a shield over the hydraulic lines on certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. AD 2001-20-14 also requires you to replace the rubber fuel hose with a metal device for certain SA226 series airplanes. This AD is the result of FAA incorrectly referencing Model SA226--T(A) airplanes and inadvertently omitting certain serial numbers of Model SA227--AC airplanes from the applicability of AD 2001-20-14. This AD retains the actions of AD 2001-20-14, corrects the reference of Model SA226--T(A) airplanes and adds additional Model SA227--AC airplanes to the applicability section of the AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct potential brake shuttle valve problems, which could cause the brake assembly to drag and overheat. Hydraulic or fuel line damage could then occur if the overheated brake assembly is retracted into the main wheel well with a consequent fire if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with Skidmore-Wilheim Manufacturing Co. (Skidmore-Wilheim) (formerly Hydromotive) Model V1-15-1000 brake master cylinders. This AD requires you to replace these brake master cylinders with new or overhauled units of the same design. This AD is the result of reports of dragging brakes during taxi operations. The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct and prevent future malfunctioning brake master cylinders. Malfunctioning brake master cylinders could cause dragging brakes, which can result in overheated brakes and a wheelwell fire if the dragging takes place during takeoff and the gear is later retracted.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA26, SA226, and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 86-24- 11 and AD 86-25-04, which require you to incorporate, into the Limitations Section of the pilot's operating handbook and airplane flight manual (POH/AFM) of Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild Aircraft) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes, procedures for preventing an engine flameout while in icing conditions. This AD retains the POH/ AFM requirements from the above-referenced AD's and requires a modification to the torque sensing system to allow the igniters to automatically turn on when an engine senses low torque. This AD is the result of two instances of a dual engine flameout on the affected airplanes. When the torque sensing system modification is incorporated, the POH/AFM requirements are no longer necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a dual engine flameout on the affected airplanes by providing a system that automatically turns on the engine igniters when low torque is sensed. A dual engine flameout could result in failure of both engines with consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., SA226 Series and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with certain Ozone Industries, Inc., main landing gear (MLG) assemblies. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the MLG drag brace assembly (consists of both brace and links) for cracks, and requires you to replace or rework any cracked MLG drag brace assembly. This AD is the result of several reports of cracks in the MLG drag brace assemblies on the affected airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in MLG drag brace assembly. Continued airplane operation with such cracks could lead to MLG failure and result in loss of control of the airplane during takeoff or landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. Models SA226-T, SA226-AT, SA226-T(B), SA226-TC, SA227-AT, SA-227-TT, and SA-227-AC Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 92-01- 02, which currently requires you to accomplish the following on certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes: modify the parking brake system; and inspect (repetitively) certain landing gear brake assemblies. That AD resulted from wheel brake system malfunctions on several of the affected airplanes where regular brake system maintenance had been performed. This AD retains the modification and inspection requirements of AD 92-01-02 and incorporates inspection and replacement requirements for additional landing gear brake assemblies. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent wheel brake system malfunctions that could result in a fire in the brake area.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Corporation SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This document adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Fairchild Aircraft Corporation (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes that are equipped with pneumatic deicing boots. This AD requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include requirements for activation of the airframe pneumatic deicing boots. This AD is the result of reports of in-flight incidents and an accident that occurred in icing conditions where the airframe pneumatic deicing boots were not activated. The actions specified by this AD are intended to assure that flightcrews activate the pneumatic wing and tail deicing boots at the first signs of ice accumulation. This action will prevent reduced controllability of the aircraft due to adverse aerodynamic effects of ice adhering to the airplane prior to the first deicing cycle.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. Models SA226- T, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, and SA226-TC Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 77-25- 03, which currently requires repetitively inspecting for cracks on the landing gear actuator rod ends that are equipped with grease fittings, on Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild Aircraft) Models SA226-T, SA226- AT, and SA226-TC airplanes. AD 77-25-03 also requires replacing the landing gear actuator rod ends with an improved part either immediately or at a certain time period depending on the results of the inspections. Replacement of all six rod ends terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of AD 77-25-03. This AD is the result of failures of the landing gear rod ends on airplanes where the rod ends were replaced in accordance with AD 77-25-03. Fairchild has re-designed the landing gear rod ends as a result of these failures. This AD requires replacing all landing gear rod ends with these improved design parts on all SA226 series airplanes, including those manufactured since AD 77-25-03 was issued (i.e., the Model SA226-T(B) airplanes). The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the landing gear actuator caused by cracks in the rod ends, which could result in the inability to lower the landing gear during a landing with consequent possible loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-19-15, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. The AD applies to those airplanes that are equipped with Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators, part number (P/N) 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-002. This AD requires incorporating information into the Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) that imposes a speed restriction and a minimum pilot requirement. The AD resulted from reports of two incidents of abrupt movement of the horizontal stabilizer to or near the full airplane nose-up position. These two incidents involved mechanical failure of these Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators. The actions specified by this AD are intended to lessen the severity of airplane pitch up caused by mechanical failure of the pitch trim actuator, which could result in a pitch upset and structural failure of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Inc. Models SA226- AT, SA226-TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Fairchild Aircraft Inc. (Fairchild) Models SA226-AT, SA226- TC, SA227-AC, and SA227-AT airplanes. This action would require inspecting the cargo door lower belt frames at the cargo latch receptacles for cracks in the belt frames, repairing any cracks, and reinforcing the cargo door lower belt frames by installing doublers. The AD is the result of a decompression incident during flight caused by fatigue at the bottom of the cargo door on a Fairchild Model SA226- TC. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the failure of the cargo door in flight, which could cause decompression injuries to passengers and substantial structural damage to the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated Models SA226-TC, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), and SA226-AT Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated (Fairchild) Models SA226-TC, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), and SA226-AT airplanes. This action requires inspecting the center flap hinge and wing trailing edge ribs at the flap actuator attach brackets for cracks and if no cracks are found, installing a doubler on the rib, or replacing a cracked rib with a new rib assembly that is reinforced with a doubler. This action is the result of high local stress concentration, which led to fatigue cracking of the wing trailing edge ribs. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent asymmetrical flap deflection, which could force the airplane into an uncommanded roll with possible loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 93-15- 02 R2, which currently requires the following on Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild Aircraft) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes that are equipped with a certain Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator: repetitively measuring the freeplay of the pitch trim actuator and repetitively inspecting the actuator for rod slippage; immediately replacing any actuator if certain freeplay limitations are exceeded or rod slippage is evident; and, eventually replacing the actuator regardless of the inspection results. This action retains the repetitive inspections and replacement requirements, adds the repetitive inspections after the installation of certain Barber-Coleman pitch time actuators, and removes the terminating action. This action is the result of failure of the no-backs on a Barber-Colman pitch time actuator installed on a Fairchild Aircraft SA227 series airplane. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the pitch trim actuator, which could cause loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This AD requires modifying the electrical power generation system. The AD results from reports of both generators going off-line during flight on three of the affected airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of both generators during critical phases of flight (such as night operation or while in icing conditions), which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-21- 05, which currently requires the following on certain Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes that do not have a certain elevator torque tube installed: drilling inspection access holes in the elevator torque tube arm, inspecting the elevator torque tube for corrosion, replacing any corroded elevator torque tube, and applying a corrosion preventive compound. AD 96-21-05 resulted from several reports of corrosion found in the elevator torque tube area on the affected airplanes. This AD retains the actions required by AD 96- 21-05, and adds certain Fairchild Model SA227-BC airplanes to the Applicability section of that AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the flight control system caused by a corroded elevator torque tube, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA26, SA226, and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes AD 93-19-06, which currrently requires repetitively inspecting acrylic cabin and cockpit side windows for cracks on certain Fairchild Aircraft SA26, SA226, and SA227 series airplanes, and, if cracks are found that exceed certain limitations, replacing that window. This action maintains the requirement of repetitively inspecting the cabin and cockpit side windows, and adds a life limit for the single-pane cockpit side windows. Acrylic window failures on the affected airplanes prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent acrylic cabin or cockpit side window failures, which could result in airframe damage and decompression injuries.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-19- 07, which currently requires the following on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with certain main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG): repetitively inspecting, using ultrasonic methods, the left-hand and right-hand MLG yokes and the NLG yokes for stress corrosion cracking, and, if any cracked yokes are found that exceed certain limits, replacing either the cracked yoke, the yoke/cylinder combination, or the affected MLG or NLG assembly. This action also supersedes priority letter AD 95-19-07 R1, which was issued to incorporate revised service information. Reports of landing gear failures on the affected airplanes prompted the original AD action. This action requires the same inspections, but requires replacing any MLG and NLG assembly with any cracks instead of allowing flight until certain crack limits are exceeded. The inability to determine or predict crack growth on areas where stress corrosion occurs on primary structure with a single-load path (MLG and NLG assemblies are considered such structure) prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent MLG or NLG failure caused by stress corrosion cracking in the yokes, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 93-15-02 R1, which requires the following on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes that are equipped with a certain Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator: repetitively measuring the freeplay of the pitch trim actuator and repetitively inspecting the actuator for rod slippage; immediately replacing any actuator if certain freeplay limitations are exceeded or rod slippage is evident; and eventually replacing the actuator regardless of the inspection results. The compliance times for the first inspection of an actuator that is installed in accordance with AD 93-15-02 R1 was inadvertently referenced incorrectly. This action retains the repetitive inspection and replacement requirements of the current AD, corrects the above- referenced compliance times, and adds an additional replacement actuator option that will then require repetitive inspections and replacements of that actuator. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the horizontal stabilizer from going nose-down or jamming because of pitch trim actuator failure, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This action requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and procedures for exiting from, severe icing conditions, and to limit or prohibit the use of various flight control devices. This amendment is prompted by results of a review of the requirements for certification of the airplane in icing conditions, new information on the icing environment, and icing data provided currently to the flight crews. The actions specified by this AD are intended to minimize the potential hazards associated with operating the airplane in freezing rain or freezing drizzle conditions by providing more clearly defined procedures and limitations associated with such conditions.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-17-09, which requires relocating the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) essential bus current limiters (225 amp) to the battery bus (main bus tie) on certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. The Federal Aviation Administraton (FAA) has determined that the applicability of the current AD should be changed to reflect a different serial number range and model designation of certain SA227 series airplanes. This action retains the essential bus current limiter relocations required by AD 95-17-09, and revises the Applicability section of that AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the LH and RH essential bus when engine failure results in a blown generator current limiter, which could result in loss of airplane electrical power.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment revises AD 94-07-10, which currently requires the following on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes: Repetitively inspecting (visually) the wing skin for cracks; dye penetrant inspecting the rib straps if the wing skin is found cracked; and, if any crack is found in the rib straps, repairing the rib straps and modifying the wing skin. That AD references an incorrect dye penetrant inspection when the wing skin is found cracked. This action maintains the requirements of AD 94-07-10, but incorporates reference to the correct dye penetrant inspection for when the wing skin is found cracked. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the wing skin at the top aft outboard corner of the battery box, which could result in structural damage to the wing.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This action requires replacing the nuts that attach the power control cable to the lever attach point clevis with nuts that have safety wire holes, safety-wiring the power control cable to the lever attach point clevis, inspecting to assure that the power cable is securely attached to the power control cable bracket, and correcting any attachment problems. Reports of power control cable attaching hardware failure on two of the affected airplanes prompted this action. In one of these instances, the power control cable disconnected from the lever attach point clevis, resulting in engine shutdown. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such power control cable disconnection, which could result in engine shutdown and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 series airplanes that are equipped with a part number 27-55001-229 actuator assembly. This action requires replacing the main landing gear door actuator tang and associated hardware with parts of improved design. Reports of the main landing gear doors hanging up and locking the landing gear links on the affected airplanes prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the inability to extend the main landing gear because of the main landing gear door actuation roller contacting the lower edge of the tang and causing the linkage to lock over-center.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This action requires installing foreign object damage (FOD) barriers in the floorboards of the cockpit between the pedestal and floor from Fuselage Station (FS) 79.38 to FS 88.06 and on the outboard forward edge of the left-hand and right-hand cockpit forward floorboards at FS 79.38. Two incidents of objects falling through openings in the cockpit floor and jamming the elevator controls and the yoke prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent airplane flight control jammings caused by objects falling through the cockpit floor openings.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Models SA226-AT and SA226-TC Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft Models SA226-AT and SA226-TC airplanes. This action requires replacing the two lower aluminum cargo door receptacles with steel receptacles. A report of cargo door failure on one of the affected airplanes prompted this action. Fatigue of the two bottom cargo door receptacles caused the bottom third of the cargo door to bend outward and upward, causing damage to the fuselage door frame. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent decompression injuries and the cargo door from breaking off and striking the empennage or the elevator, which could cause substantial structural failure and loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with certain main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG). This action requires repetitively inspecting, using ultrasonic methods, the left-hand and right-hand MLG yokes and the NLG yokes for stress corrosion cracking, and, if any cracked yokes are found that exceed certain limits, either replacing the cracked yoke, the yoke/cylinder combination, or the affected MLG or NLG assembly. Several reports of landing gear failures on the affected airplanes that have the affected MLG or NLG yokes installed prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent MLG or NLG failure caused by stress corrosion cracks in the yokes, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes that utilize a direct current (DC) generator. This action requires relocating the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) essential bus current limiters (225 amp) to the battery bus (main bus tie). A safety recommendation received by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that details potential electrical failure problems on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the LH and RH essential bus when engine failure results in a blown generator current limiter, which could result in loss of airplane electrical power.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 series airplanes. This action requires removing the main landing gear (MLG) stop bolts from the bracket assembly on the upper scissors for those airplanes with a MLG door stop installation, and servicing the MLG oleos for all affected airplanes. Incidents where two of the affected airplanes made an emergency gear-up landing prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the MLG doors from jamming, which could prevent the gear from extending and could result in an emergency gear-up landing.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 Series Airplanes

This amendment revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 93-15-02, which requires the following on Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes that are equipped with a certain Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator: repetitively measuring the freeplay of the pitch trim actuator and repetitively inspecting the actuator for rod slippage; immediately replacing any actuator if certain freeplay limitations are not met or rod slippage is evident; and eventually replacing the actuator regardless of the inspection results. This action maintains these requirements, but reduces the hours time-in- service (TIS) before the initial inspection is required, and shortens both the time period between repetitive inspections and the actuator replacement compliance time (unless the replacement actuator is new or if the nut tube assemblies have been replaced during overhaul). An in- flight incident where the referenced actuator on one of the affected airplanes failed after accomplishment of the 5,000-hour initial inspection (with satisfactory results) prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the horizontal stabilizer from going nose-down or jamming because of pitch trim actuator failure, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Models SA227-AC and SA227-AT Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 83-12- 01, which currently requires repetitively inspecting the lower wing skin panel for cracks on certain Fairchild Aircraft Models SA227-AC and SA227-AT airplanes, and installing wing skin reinforcement doublers if any wing skin crack 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 requires installing wing skin reinforcement doublers or wing skin stringer ties as terminating action for the repetitive inspections that are currently required by AD 83-12-01. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the lower wing skin panels, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.