AD/LC40/2 Aileron and Elevator Linear 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.

Columbia (formerly Lancair) LC40, LC41 and LC42 Series Aeroplanes

AD/LC40/2 Aileron and Elevator Linear Bearings 6/2007 TX

Applicability:

Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing (previously the Lancair Company) aircraft:

LC40-550FG   S/N 40001 through 40079 inclusive,

LC41-550FG   S/N 41001 and up,

LC42-550FG   S/N 42001 and up.

Requirement:

1.    Insert Appendix A of Columbia Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-07-002, dated
14 March 2007, into the Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).

The operator holding at least a private pilot certificate may do the AFM amendment.  Make an entry in the aircraft records showing compliance with this Requirement of this AD.

2.    Access and inspect the aileron and elevator linear bearings on both wings for foreign object debris following Columbia Mandatory Service Bulletin
SB-07-002, and the applicable maintenance manual.

3.    Remove any debris found during any inspection required in Requirement 2 of this AD following Columbia Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-07-002, and the applicable maintenance manual.

4.    Inspect the aileron and elevator control rods for scarring or damage near the linear bearings following Columbia Mandatory Service Bulletin SB-07-002, and the applicable maintenance manual.

5.    Repair any scarring or damage found during the inspection detailed in Requirement 4 of this AD following Columbia Mandatory Service Bulletin
SB-07-002, and the applicable maintenance manual.

The manufacturer may need to be contacted to obtain a repair scheme.

Note:  FAA AD 2007-07-06 Amdt 39-15011 dated 27 March 2007 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD.

2.    Initially within the next 35 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months.

3.    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD.

4.    Initially within the next 35 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months.

5.    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 30 April 2007.

Background:

This AD is the result of reports of possible foreign object contamination of the linear bearings.  The issuing of this AD is to prevent jamming in the aileron and elevator control systems, which could result in failure.  This failure could lead to loss of control.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

23 April 2007