Federal Aviation Administration August 3, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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.

The FAA publishes a monthly notice, as appropriate, of PFC approvals and disapprovals under the provisions of the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990 (Title IX of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990) (Pub. L. 101-508) and Part 158 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 158). This notice is published pursuant to paragraph d of Sec. 158.29.

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of a meeting of RTCA Special Committee 209, EUROCAE WG-49 Joint Plenary Session ATCRBS/Mode S Transponder MOPS Maintenance.