Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A (PIAGGIO) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the flap actuators for incorrect maneuvering and evidence of grease and oxidation around the gear box (actuators with any of these conditions are referred to as problem actuators). If you find a problem actuator, this AD requires you to immediately replace the flap actuators with improved design actuators or repair the existing actuators to the improved design level. If you do not find a problem actuator, this AD requires you to repeat the inspection until the installed actuators are of improved design. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Italy. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and remove problem flap actuators from service. Continued operation with problem actuators could result in flap system failure, with consequent reduction in, or loss of, control of the airplane.