# AD 79-03-02: Rudder Hinge Bearing

- Type: Airworthiness directive
- Status: Current
- Products: Piper PA-38-112
- Effective: May 28, 1980
- Published: May 27, 1980
- Issued: May 15, 1980
- Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD
- Product type: Aircraft, Small airplane
- Amendment: 39-3777
- Registered aircraft: 442 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/2F8902B136D3A1F586256E120055A512.0001
- DRS record last changed: November 21, 2025
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/79-03-02

## The airworthiness directive

79-03-02 PIPER: Amendment 39-3402 as amended by Amendment 39-3777. Applies to Piper Model PA-38-112 Serial Nos. 38-78A0001 thru 38-80A0063 certificated in all categories.

To prevent vertical movement of the bottom rudder hinge bearing and possible interference between the bottom surface of the rudder fairing tip and the vertical fin top surface, accomplish the following:

  (a) Within the next 25 hours in service after the effective date of this AD:

  (1) Deflect the rudder so that the bottom hinge is accessible.

  (2) Inspect the bottom hinge bracket for a loose bearing, which will be evident by any portion of the bearing outer-race protruding below the lower surface of the bracket.

  (3) If a loose bearing is indicated, install Piper Kit 763 881 or equivalent, before further flight.

  (b) Within the next 50 hours of service, after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, install Piper Kit 763 881 or equivalent.

  (c) The affected airplane may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where the AD may be accomplished.

  (d) Equivalent inspections, repairs and alterations must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Eastern Region.

  (e) Upon submission of substantiating data through an FAA Maintenance Inspector the compliance times specified in this AD may be adjusted by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Eastern Region.

Piper Service Bulletin No. 613, dated August 11, 1978, pertains to this subject.

Amendment 39-3402 was effective January 31, 1979.

This Amendment 39-3777 is effective May 28, 1980.

## Affected data sheets (1) (OpenAirDocs)

The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names.

- [TCDS A18SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A18SO): Piper Aircraft Inc.; names 1 of 1 models: PA-38-112

## 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: 442 (442 by airframe model, 0 by engine model)
- Makers: Piper 442

Models with the most aircraft:

- [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112): 442 aircraft (airframe model)

All 1 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/79-03-02/models.md
Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/79-03-02/aircraft.md

Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs.

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