# AD 63-07-03: Rudder Trim Tabs

- Type: Airworthiness directive
- Status: Current
- Products: Piper PA-23 and PA-23-160
- Effective: April 15, 1963
- Published: April 4, 1963
- Issued: March 29, 1963
- Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD
- Product type: Aircraft, Small airplane
- Registered aircraft: 343 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/27D6CC5165C5995E862569970057F11B.0001
- DRS record last changed: November 21, 2025
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/63-07-03

## The airworthiness directive

63-07-03 PIPER: Amdt. 551 Part 507 Federal Register April 4, 1963. Applies to All Models PA-23 and PA-23-160 Aircraft.

Compliance required as indicated.

Cracks and loose or working rivets have been found in the attachment area of the rudder trim tab horn, P/N 17059-00, to the rudder trim tab skin, P/N 17068-27. Cracked rudder trim tab ribs P/N 17068-17 also have been found. To preclude the separation of the trim tab horn from the trim tab, accomplish the following:

  (a) On aircraft having 690 or more hours time in service on the effective date of this AD, within the next 10 hours' time in service unless already accomplished within the last 90 hours' time in service and within each 100 hours' time in service thereafter from the last inspection, accomplish the inspection specified in (c).

  (b) On aircraft having less than 690 hours' time in service on the effective date of this AD, accomplish the inspection specified in (c) between 600 and 700 hours' time in service and within each 100 hours' time in service thereafter from the last inspection.

  (c) Visually inspect with at least a 10-power magnifying glass the rudder trim tab horn attach rivets for looseness or evidence of rivet working and the adjacent tab skin for cracks.

  (d) If skin cracks, loose or working rivets are found, visually inspect the rudder trim tab support rib, P/N 17068-17 for cracks.

  (e) If any of the defects mentioned herein are found, repair in accordance with Civil Air Regulations Part 18 or replace the affected part, or parts, with an airworthy assembly prior to further flight.

(Piper's Periodic Inspection Report pertains to this same subject.)

This directive effective April 15, 1963.

## Affected data sheets (1) (OpenAirDocs)

The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names.

- [TCDS 1A10](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/1A10): Piper Aircraft Inc.; names 2 of 6 models: PA-23-160, PA-23

## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs)

Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment.

- Aircraft: 343 (343 by airframe model, 0 by engine model)
- Makers: Piper 343

Models with the most aircraft:

- [Piper PA-23-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23-160): 188 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Piper PA-23](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23): 155 aircraft (airframe model)

All 2 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/63-07-03/models.md
Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/63-07-03/aircraft.md

Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs.

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