AD/F406/14 Rudder Hinge Brackets and Bearings (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.

Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes

AD/F406/14 Rudder Hinge Brackets and Bearings 7/2005

Applicability:

Model F406 aircraft, serial numbers 0001 through 0092.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with REIMS AVIATION Service Bulletin No. F406-57, or later EASA approved revision.

Note:  DGAC AD F-2005-081 refers.

Compliance:

Within 100 flight hours or 3 months after 7 July 2005, whichever occurs first.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 July 2005.

Background:

The DGAC received several reports of corrosion on the rudder hinge bearings, which had propagated to the rudder hinge brackets.  This condition, if left uncorrected, could result in failure of the brackets and separation of the rudder.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

27 May 2005