AD/P68/32 Amdt 1 Longitudinal Trim System (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/P68/32 and issues the following 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.

Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes

AD/P68/32 Amdt 1 Longitudinal Trim System 12/2008

Applicability:

All models with serial numbers 1 through 404, 407, 408 and 411.

Requirement:

Check the stabilator trim system and adjust as necessary to the requirements specified in the aircraft Maintenance Manual.

Compliance:

At each scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue.

This Amendment becomes effective on 20 November 2008.

Background:

This aircraft has a long history of trim-related problems.  Those problems, and a CASA test programme in 1989, have highlighted deficiencies within the trim system.  Only a high level of maintenance integrity will ensure continued safe operation of the trim system in its current configuration.

Vulcanair has developed an improved trim system and installed it as MOD P68/031 Rev 1.  Amendment 1 excludes aircraft with the improved trim system.  The compliance period has been extended from 50 hours to each Maintenance Release inspection.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

8 October 2008