Summary
This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, and PA-31P-350 airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to install an inspection hole, conduct a detailed visual inspection of the rudder torque tube and associated ribs for corrosion, and, if corrosion is found, replace the rib/rudder torque tube assembly. This proposed AD is the result of reports of rudder tube corrosion. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion in the rudder torque tube assembly and rudder rib, which could result in failure of the rudder torque tube. Such failure could lead to loss of rudder control.