AD 75-07-04

75-07-04 GRUMMAN AMERICAN: Amendment 39-2135.

Pursuant to the authority of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 delegated to me by the Administrator, the following Airworthiness Directive is issued applicable to operators of Grumman American AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B, AA-5 and AA-5B airplanes delivered prior to February 18, 1975 and certified in all categories. The directive requires an inspection prior to further flight, unless already accomplished, and is effective immediately upon receipt of the Airworthiness Directive because there may be missing welds in the rudder control bar assemblies P/N 601031-501 located inside the forward portion of the fuselage.

Before further flight, unless already accomplished, inspect Grumman American Model AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B, AA-5 and AA-5B airplanes certified in all categories for missing welds in the rudder control bar assemblies P/N 601031-501.

1. Inspect the rudder pedal posts and rudder cable attaching arm inserted through the rudder torque tube bar for missing welds. At each intersection, there should be a minimum of two (2) 90 degree circumferential welds located both top and bottom (fore and aft) at the intersection of each tube.

2. If inspection reveals that there are no missing welds, no further action is required and the aircraft may be approved for return to service.

3. If inspection reveals missing welds, replace rudder control bar assembly P/N 601031-501 with a new part of the same part number.

4. If parts are unavailable, repair may be accomplished by contacting the local FAA Maintenance Inspector concerning a repair procedure which must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Great Lakes Region.

5. A special flight permit per FAR 21.197 may be issued after accomplishment of Paragraph 1 to allow repairs in accordance with this Airworthiness Directive.

This amendment is effective upon publication in the Federal Register and was effective prior to further flightfor all recipients of the air mail letters dated March 6, 1975 which contained this amendment.