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

The Commonwealth Of Australia's, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, has issued an Emergency AD on Lancair/Columbia/Cessna Corvalis Rudder Hinges and Hinge Brackets.

Applicability: Model LC40-550FG aircraft, serial numbers 40001 through 40079.
Model LC41-550FG aircraft, serial numbers 41001 through 41800, 411001 and subsequent.
Model LC42-550FG aircraft, serial numbers 42001 through 42569, 421001 and subsequent.

Requirement:

• 1. For aircraft with 25 hours time in service or more as of 15 May 2009:
  • Remove the rudder, and using 10x visual magnification, inspect all three rudder hinges and rudder hinge brackets for damage, i.e., cracking, deformation, and discolouration.
  • 2. For aircraft with less than 25 hours time in service as of 15 May 2009:
    Without removing the rudder, visually inspect all three rudder hinges and rudder hinge brackets for damage.
    Note 1: FAA AD 2009-09-09 Amdt 39-15895 refers.
    Note 2: Cessna Aircraft Company Single Engine Service Bulletin SB09-27-01 refers.

    

Compliance:

• 1. Within 10 hours time in service or 30 days after 15 May 2009, whichever occurs first.
  • Inspect thereafter as follows:
    • At intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service or 3 months, whichever occurs first, without removing the rudder, visually inspect all three rudder hinges and hinge brackets for damage.
    • At intervals not to exceed 50 hours time in service or 6 months, whichever occurs first, remove the rudder, and using 10x visual magnification, inspect all three rudder hinges and rudder hinge brackets for damage.
• 2. Upon accumulating 25 hours time in service or within 10 hours time in service after 15 May 2009, whichever occurs later.
  • Inspect thereafter as follows:
  • At intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service or 3 months, whichever occurs first, without removing the rudder, visually inspect all three rudder hinges and rudder hinge brackets for damage.
  • At intervals not to exceed 50 hours time in service or 6 months, whichever occurs first, remove the rudder, and using 10x visual magnification, inspect all three rudder hinges and rudder hinge brackets for damage.

    

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 15 May 2009.

Background: The FAA received reports of cracked lower rudder hinge brackets on two of the affected aircraft. Undetected damage in the rudder hinges and rudder hinge brackets could result in failure of the rudder, which could lead to loss of control.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au, www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/airworth/airwd/adfiles/under/lc40/lc40-003.pdf, AirworthinessBulletin@casa.gov.au