AD 80-07-06

80-07-06 BEECH: Amendment 39-3730. Applies to Model 76 (Serial Numbers ME-1 through ME-252, ME-254, ME-256 through ME-261, ME-263 through ME-267, ME-269 through ME- 274, ME-279, ME-283, ME-284, ME-286, ME-288 through ME-295, ME-297, ME-299, ME-300, ME-302 through ME-307, ME-309, ME-311 through ME-313, ME-315 and ME-316) and Model 77 (Serial Numbers WA-1 through WA-76) airplanes certified in all categories.

COMPLIANCE: Required as indicated unless already accomplished. To prevent a possible unbalanced rudder condition that could induce flutter, accomplish the following:

A) Prior to further flight, fabricate and install a temporary placard in plain view of the pilot which reads as follows:

"BEFORE EACH FLIGHT CHECK RUDDER AND RUDDER TRIM TAB (IF INSTALLED) FOR TRAPPED WATER BY: (1) MOVING RUDDER RAPIDLY USING RUDDER PEDALS AND HAVING A SECOND PERSON LISTEN FOR SOUND OF WATER (IF AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS LESS THAN 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT MOVE AIRPLANE TO HEATED HANGER UNTIL ANY POSSIBLE WATER ACCUMULATION HAS MELTED) (2) DO NOT OPERATE AIRCRAFT UNTIL TRAPPED WATER IS REMOVED" and comply with the instructions in said placard.

B) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service, (1) incorporate additional drainage in the rudder and rudder trim tab (if installed) by drilling new drain holes and (2) seal gaps in the top of the rudder and trim tab (if installed), all in accordance with Beechcraft Service Instructions No. 1116.

C) When Paragraph B) has been accomplished, Paragraph A) is no longer applicable.

D) The airplane may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where Paragraph B) can be accomplished, provided there is no trapped water in the rudder and trim tab (if installed).

E) Any equivalent method of compliance with this letter must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing District Office, Federal Aviation Administration, Room 238, Terminal Building No. 2299, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209.This amendment becomes effective on April 3, 1980, to all persons except those to whom it has already been made effective by an airmail letter from the FAA dated March 12, 1980.