AD 2020-24-10 Requires Repetitively Inspecting The Elevator And Aileron Balance Tubes For Corrosion And Rust

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Aerostar Aircraft Corporation (Aerostar) Model PA-60-601P (Aerostar 601P), PA-60-602P (Aerostar 602P), and PA-60-700P (Aerostar 700P) airplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the elevator and aileron balance tubes. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the elevator and aileron balance tubes for corrosion and rust and replacing the tube. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 22, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Aerostar Model PA-60-601P (Aerostar 601P), PA-60-602P (Aerostar 602P), and PA-60-700P (Aerostar 700P) airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 26, 2020 (85 FR 38338). The NPRM was prompted by reports of corrosion on the elevator and aileron balance tubes, which may be hidden by rubber boots. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the elevator and aileron balance tubes for corrosion (pitting and flaking) and rust (discoloration) and replacing the tube.

The FAA is issuing this AD to detect corrosion on the elevator and aileron balance tubes. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the aileron and elevator balance tubes, jamming of the aileron and/or elevator balance tubes, and loss of control of the airplane.

FMI: www.regulations.gov