Piper PA-24 Comanche — Airworthiness Directives

This document is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia concerning the Piper PA-24 Comanche series aeroplanes. Specifically, it addresses the stabilator torque tube bearing block attachment fitting, highlighting the need for inspections and potential modifications to ensure flight safety. The directive applies to specific models of the PA-24 series, including the PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, and PA-24-400, with serial numbers ranging from 24-1 to 24-5047 and 26-2 to 26-148 respectively. The document outlines compliance requirements, inspection procedures, and the background of the directive, which stems from incidents of looseness in the stabilator fittings that could lead to loss of pitch control. Pilots and maintenance personnel are advised to adhere to the outlined inspection intervals and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness.

• Models affected: PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, PA-24-400.
• Inspect stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings for looseness.
• If looseness is found, incorporate Piper Part No. 760 835.
• Initial compliance required within 100 hours after 15 September 1994.
• Reinspections required at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until corrective action is taken.