Wings - Spar Carry-Through Assembly / Structural Components - Inspection / Replacement (Life Limits)
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 79-01-03
- Replaces
- 83-20-03
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Piper PA-36-285, PA-36-300, and PA-36-375 airplanes must perform repetitive inspections of the wing spar carry-through assembly within 25 hours time-in-service after July 15, 2021, or before reaching 2,000 hours TIS, whichever is later, and continue inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours TIS. Replacement of the spar carry-through assembly with the approved part number terminates the inspection requirement. Compliance with all life limits and replacement instructions in the referenced service bulletins is mandatory.
Summary
The FAA Airworthiness Directive 2021-11-16 addresses Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-36-285, PA-36-300, and PA-36-375 airplanes. It mandates inspections and life limits for the wing spar carry-through assembly and other wing structural components to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. This directive consolidates and updates previous ADs related to these components.
What changed
This AD supersedes AD 79-01-03 and AD 83-20-03 by retaining their requirements and expanding the inspection and life limit mandates to additional Piper PA-36-300 airplanes and certain serial-numbered PA-36-375 airplanes. It adds life limits for wing structural components that were previously omitted and requires repetitive inspections of the spar carry-through assembly until replacement with a specified part number.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for preventing fatigue damage in wing structural components that could lead to wing failure and loss of control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure aircraft structural integrity and regulatory compliance. It clarifies and harmonizes inspection and replacement requirements, reducing ambiguity and enhancing safety.
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