AD 82-18-11

82-18-11 PARTENAVIA, COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE S.p.A.: Amendment 39-4453. Applies to Models P68 and P68B airplanes (serial numbers 1 through 86) certificated in any category.

COMPLIANCE: Required as indicated unless already accomplished.

To prevent failure of the control wheel shaft universal joint, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect control wheel shaft universal joints for cracks and interference, in accordance with procedures in "INSPECTION" section of Partenavia Service Bulletin No. 48, dated December 7, 1979.

(b) If cracks are found during the inspection in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, replace the control wheel shaft universal joints in accordance with procedures under "Instructions" of Partenavia Service Instruction No. 09, dated December 7, 1979.

(c) If interference is found during the inspection, in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, repeat the inspection for cracks prescribed in that paragraph at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time-in-service until the universal joint is replaced. Within 200 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, replace universal joints on which interference is found during the inspection described in paragraph (a) in accordance with procedures of Partenavia Service Instruction No. 09 dated December 7, 1979.

(d) This airplane may be flown in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation 21.197 to a location where this AD can be accomplished.

(e) An equivalent method of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by C. Christie, Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, AEU-100, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium; Telephone 513.38.30.

This amendment becomes effective on September 13, 1982.