Potential corrosion on the aileron at the hinge
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts you, owners and operators of all Piper
Aircraft, Inc. PA-28, PA-32 and PA-34 models, of potential corrosion on the aileron at the hinge
fitting. This also provides our recommendation to focus on the aircraft service manual (SM) as
mitigating action.
At this time, this airworthiness concern has not been determined to be an unsafe condition that would
warrant AD action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.
Background
Aircraft may develop corrosion during their lifetime. Some of the variables involved in the
probability of corrosion development are:
? potential increases with calendar time / age
? potential increases with incompatible materials (e.g., aluminum and steel)
? potential increases in certain environments (e.g., high moisture or salt water)
? potential decreases with adequate protective coatings (e.g., zinc chromate primer)
? potential decreases with adequate inspection
This information is presented in response to reported service data showing corrosion on the aileron at
the hinge fitting of a Piper PA-28 aircraft. The damage was found during routine maintenance.
Service manuals for the PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 provide specific instructions targeting the problem
area. Here is a typical excerpt from the SM.
Service manual excerpt
1. Inspect ailerons for surface damage or irregularities (i.e. - skin cracks, distortion, dents,
corrosion, and excessive paint build up); structural defects (i.e. - loose or missing rivets);
misrigging or structural imbalance; hinge damage, excessive wear, freedom of movement and
proper lubrication; and attachment points for missing or worn hardware.
2. Inspect aileron hinges and attachments
3. Inspect aileron cables, turnbuckles, fittings, guides, pulleys and bellcranks for safety, damage
and operation.
Recommendations
The FAA recommends that owners and operators increase their focus on the inspections provided in
Pipers service manual for the aileron at the hinge. We strongly recommend increased detail
2
inspection for those aircraft at higher risk due to age, environment, lack of protective coatings, etc.,
discussed above.
If damage is found, a Malfunction / Defect Report or Service Difficulty Report (SDR) should be
filed. The SDR system is available at http://av-info.faa.gov/sdrx/. There are currently no established
allowable limits on the subject parts so repair or replacement will be necessary if damage is found.
For Further Information Contact
Gregory K. (Keith) Noles, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park,
GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov
For Related Service Information Contact
Piper Aircraft Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960; website: http://www.piper.com/
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts you, owners and operators of all Piper
Aircraft, Inc. PA-28, PA-32 and PA-34 models, of potential corrosion on the aileron at the hinge
fitting. This also provides our recommendation to focus on the aircraft service manual (SM) as
mitigating action.
At this time, this airworthiness concern has not been determined to be an unsafe condition that would
warrant AD action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.
Background
Aircraft may develop corrosion during their lifetime. Some of the variables involved in the
probability of corrosion development are:
? potential increases with calendar time / age
? potential increases with incompatible materials (e.g., aluminum and steel)
? potential increases in certain environments (e.g., high moisture or salt water)
? potential decreases with adequate protective coatings (e.g., zinc chromate primer)
? potential decreases with adequate inspection
This information is presented in response to reported service data showing corrosion on the aileron at
the hinge fitting of a Piper PA-28 aircraft. The damage was found during routine maintenance.
Service manuals for the PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 provide specific instructions targeting the problem
area. Here is a typical excerpt from the SM.
Service manual excerpt
1. Inspect ailerons for surface damage or irregularities (i.e. - skin cracks, distortion, dents,
corrosion, and excessive paint build up); structural defects (i.e. - loose or missing rivets);
misrigging or structural imbalance; hinge damage, excessive wear, freedom of movement and
proper lubrication; and attachment points for missing or worn hardware.
2. Inspect aileron hinges and attachments
3. Inspect aileron cables, turnbuckles, fittings, guides, pulleys and bellcranks for safety, damage
and operation.
Recommendations
The FAA recommends that owners and operators increase their focus on the inspections provided in
Pipers service manual for the aileron at the hinge. We strongly recommend increased detail
2
inspection for those aircraft at higher risk due to age, environment, lack of protective coatings, etc.,
discussed above.
If damage is found, a Malfunction / Defect Report or Service Difficulty Report (SDR) should be
filed. The SDR system is available at http://av-info.faa.gov/sdrx/. There are currently no established
allowable limits on the subject parts so repair or replacement will be necessary if damage is found.
For Further Information Contact
Gregory K. (Keith) Noles, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park,
GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5551; fax: (404) 474-5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov
For Related Service Information Contact
Piper Aircraft Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960; website: http://www.piper.com/