Piper PA-34 Aileron Hinge Fitting Assembly AWB 57-013 Issue : 1
Piper PA-34 Seneca · Airworthiness Directives
Overview
This Airworthiness Bulletin (AWB) addresses potential corrosion issues in the aileron hinge fittings of all Piper Seneca aircraft models, specifically the PA-34-200, PA-34-200T, and PA-34-220T. The bulletin was prompted by a Service Difficulty Report indicating severe corrosion in a specific part number of the aileron hinge. The document serves as a critical alert for owners, operators, and engineers to ensure the safety and integrity of the flight control system. It outlines inspection recommendations and reporting procedures for any defects found during inspections.
- Inspect aileron hinge fittings for corrosion immediately and every 100 hours thereafter.
- Focus on the section of the fitting enclosed by the aileron during inspections.
- Report any defects found to the CASA Service Difficulty Reporting system.
- Corrosion was identified in part number 3721000 of the aileron hinge.
- This bulletin applies to PA-34-200, PA-34-200T, and PA-34-220T models.
Document
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Effectivity
This bulletin applies to all Piper Seneca aircraft models, specifically the PA-34-200, PA-34-200T, and PA-34-220T.
Purpose
The purpose of this AWB is to alert stakeholders about the potential for undetected corrosion in the aileron hinge fittings of the Piper Seneca aircraft.
Recommendations
An initial inspection of the aileron hinge fittings should be conducted promptly, followed by inspections every 100 hours as per the Piper maintenance schedule. A detailed visual inspection is recommended, focusing on the section of the fitting enclosed by the aileron.
Reporting
Any defects discovered during inspections should be reported through the CASA Service Difficulty Reporting system, as similar findings may lead to the issuance of a unique airworthiness directive.
Enquiries
For further inquiries regarding this Airworthiness Bulletin, contact the Airworthiness & Engineering Branch of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority via email or postal address provided.
Safety notes
- Undetected corrosion in aileron hinge fittings can compromise flight safety.
Full document text
AIRWORTHINESS BULLETIN Piper PA-34 Aileron Hinge Fitting Assembly AWB 57-013 Issue : 1 Date : 21 May 2013 Page 1 of 2 1. Effectivity All Piper Seneca Aircraft, PA-34-200, 200T and -220T. 2. Purpose Alert owners, operators and engineers of the possibility of undetected corrosion in Seneca aileron hinge fittings 3. Background This AWB is prompted by a Service Difficulty Report which identified a Piper Seneca aileron hinge P/N 3721000 that was severely corroded. 4. Recommendations An initial inspection should be completed within a timely manner and thereafter every 100 hours as per the Piper maintenance schedule to ensure the integrity of the aircraft flight control system is maintained. Figure 1 Corroded Aileron Hinge It is highly recommended that a detailed visual inspection be conducted on all the aileron hinge fitting assemblies for corrosion, with special attention to the section of the fitting enclosed by the aileron. Evidence of corrosion on the enclosed section of the fitting will necessitate removal of the fitting from the aileron to allow closer inspection. AIRWORTHINESS BULLETIN Piper PA-34 Aileron Hinge Fitting Assembly AWB 57-013 Issue : 1 Date : 21 May 2013 Page 2 of 2 Pictures courtesy of ATSB 5. Reporting All defects found should be reported on the CASA Service Difficulty Reporting system; further similar events could possibly trigger the issue of a unique Australian airworthiness directive. 6. Enquiries Enquiries with regard to the content of this Airworthiness Bulletin should be made via the direct link e-mail address: AirworthinessBulletin@casa.gov.au or in writing, to: Airworthiness & Engineering Branch Civil Aviation Safety Authority GPO Box 2005, Canberra, ACT, 2601