FAA renews call for comments on Piper Cherokee AD
Incorporates AOPA's request for alternate method of inspection
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to seek comments on an airworthiness directive that would affect more than 11,000 Piper Cherokee and Cherokee Six aircraft in the U.S. registry if it were to be adopted.
The FAA is reopening comments on a proposed AD from November 2017 that stemmed from “reports of significant corrosion found in an area of the main wing spar not easily accessible for inspection.” The AD would require an inspection for corrosion and corrective measures on Piper PA–28-140, PA–28-150, PA–28-160, PA–28-180, PA–28-235, PA–32-260, and PA–32-300 airplanes with certain serial numbers.
In 2017, AOPA advocated for less costly methods of inspection, such as using a borescope.
The new proposed AD also includes additional information from Piper “to add a minimum thickness dimension for the top inboard wing skin and to include procedures for reapplying corrosion preventive compound if removed during the inspection.”
A total of 11,476 airplanes in the U.S. registry would still be impacted.
The FAA is accepting comments online, by fax, and by mail through September 18. Refer to the AD for a list of affected serial numbers and details on how to submit comments.
