AD/Do 228/12 De-bonding of Surface Protection on Rudders and Elevators (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Dornier 228 Series Aeroplanes

AD/DO 228/12 De-bonding of Surface Protection
on Rudders and Elevators 2/2008

Applicability:

Dornier Do228 aircraft with S/N: 8009, 8065, 8112, 8179, 8185, 8191, 8241, or 8244.

Requirement:

1.    A detailed visual inspection must be performed on some accessible areas of inner structure on rudder and elevator for signs of corrosion, de-bonded primer (yellow-green) and any other deviation of surface protection, as per RUAG Service Bulletin SB-228-270, dated 30 October 2007 or later approved issue.

2.    Any investigative results that show corrosion beyond the acceptable level or areas with de-bonded primer must be reported to the manufacturer for further decisions.

3.    If necessary, repair of the affected parts in accordance with the applicable repair instruction of the manufacturer.

Note:  LBA AD D-2007-350 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 2 months after effective date of this AD.

2.    Immediately after such findings have been established.

3.    In accordance with instructions from the manufacturer.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 14 February 2008.

Background:

The manufacturer reported findings of missing primer on the internal of the elevator and rudder of aircraft S/N 8200.  Investigation performed by RUAG showed that the paint removal procedure for the rudder and elevator was changed from a paint stripping with brush and scraper to a procedure where the parts were submerged in a tank filled with hot liquid stripper.  This paint stripping process change was not communicated to and not approved by the TC-Holder.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

19 December 2007