EASA AD US-2019-12-12
Airplane Flight Manual - Update / Placard Installation
Summary
The Airplane Flight Manual - Update / Placard Installation is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA affecting Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-600TP (M600) airplanes. It mandates inserting a ground operations limitation into the airplane flight manual and installing a placard limiting ground operations due to understrength rivets found in the bulkhead assembly. The directive also offers an optional terminating action involving rivet replacement to reinforce the bulkhead.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement to update the Limitations section of the AFM with a ground operations restriction and to install a corresponding placard in the cockpit. It addresses a manufacturing defect involving incorrect rivets in the bulkhead assembly and includes an optional repair action to replace these rivets to terminate the limitation.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a structural safety concern that could lead to bulkhead failure and loss of airplane control. Operators and maintenance teams must comply promptly to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. The update impacts flight manual documentation and physical placarding, affecting operational procedures and maintenance planning.
What To Do
Operators of affected Piper PA-46-600TP airplanes must insert the specified ground operations limitation into the AFM and install the placard by July 12, 2019. They should also consider performing the optional rivet replacement to terminate the limitation. Comments on the directive are accepted until August 12, 2019.
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