SAIB ACE-99-21

SPECIAL

AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION

BULLETIN

AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION SERVICE 800 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, S.W.

WASHINGTON, DC 20591

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

No. ACE-99-21 April 29, 1999

Published by: FAA, AFS-610, P.O. Box 26460, Oklahoma City, OK 73125 SAIB’s are posted on the internet at http://av-info.faa.gov This is issued for informational purposes only and any recommendation for corrective action is not mandatory.

Introduction:

The purpose of this Special Airworthiness In formation Bulletin (SAIB) is to alert the owners/operators of Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2, BN2A BN2B, and BN2T Islander and BN2A-Mk III Trislander aircraft that wear that has been reported on the sliding tube of the control column.

Background:

Pilatus Britten-Norman reports that wear ha s been found on the tube wall of the NB-45-0859 control column sliding tube. Consequently, P ilatus Britten-Norman has issued Service Bulletin BN2/SB.243 Issue 1, dated March 1, 1999, which details inspection instructions and wear criteria as well as instructions for the replacement of parts found to be worn beyond limits. Excessive wear on the sliding tube can cause cracks and eventual failure of the tube, affecting the flight control system of the airplane.

Recommendation:

The FAA is recommending, but not requiring, that owners/operators of Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2T Islanders inspect the control column sliding tube per the instructions presented in Service Bulletin BN2/SB.243.

Copies of Pilatus Britten-Norman Service Bu lletin BN2/SB.243 Issue 1, dated March 1, 1999, can be obtained from Pilatus Britten-Norman, Ltd., Bembridge, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, PO35 5PR.

For Further Information Contact:

FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atten tion: Mr. Roger P. Chudy, ACE 112, 1201 Walnut, Suite 900, Kansas City, MO 64106, telephone (816) 426-6934, fax (816) 426-2169.