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January 29, 2022

NTSB Recommends Piper AD for Rudder Issue

Piper Cruisers May Require Replacement for Aging Rudder Posts

The results of an investigation into a number of incidents involving vintage Piper aircraft have been released, exposing a vulnerability in aircraft that have remained in service to the point that lifetime fatigue could take its toll to the point of breakage. Notable pictures of example aircraft show the upper portion of the rudder bent beyond 90°. The part in question can be found in Piper PA-12, PA-14, and PA-18s still in service. A series of incidents with similar patterns of parts failure have been investigated by the NTSB, bringing about concerns over the steel selection used in Piper rudder posts built prior to 1974.

AIRS-400 Records Video, Audio, Noise with Cloud Transfer

Appareo has obtained certification for its AIRS-400 system, a 4K ultra-high-definition Airborne Image Recording System. AIRS-400 has been given a Supplemental Type Certificate from the FAA for use in the Airbus AS350, Bell 206, and Bell 407. The AIRS records flight data, audio, and video to both a removable SD card and internal crash-hardened memory with the ability to transmit it over the air via cell networks for offsite backup. The tool is a helpful aid to monitor or critique flights, whether addressing safety concerns, evaluating aircraft use, or reviewing flight instruction.

Last Track Data Showed The Airplane At An Altitude Of 200 Ft MSL And A Groundspeed Of 105 Knots

On December 17, 2021, at 1224 eastern standard time, a Lake LA-250 amphibious airplane, N1402C, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Auburndale, Florida. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. According to Federal Aviation Administration preliminary tracking data, the airplane departed from Lake Hartridge, Winter Haven, Florida, about 1130. The airplane departed to the south, then turned north and flew about 25 miles before heading southwest toward Lake Arietta.

AD 2022-03-03 Supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-22-20

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-22-20 which applied to certain Austro Engine GmbH E4 and E4P model diesel piston engines. AD 2021-22-20 required, for engines with an affected cylinder head, inspection of the high pressure pump (HPP) driving gear and, depending on the results of the inspection, replacement of the HPP driving gear with a part eligible for installation. AD 2021-22-20 also required, for engines with an affected HPP driving gear, replacement of the HPP driving gear before further flight or within a certain number of flight hours, depending on the engine configuration and number of affected engines installed.