Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. 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 amendment supersedes three existing airworthiness directives (AD's) that apply to certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31P, PA-31T, and PA-31T1 airplanes. These AD's currently require you to repetitively inspect and/or modify the elevator structure. This AD initially retains the inspection and modification requirements that are currently required; adds certain other airplane models to the AD applicability; and requires a modification at a certain time period, as terminating action for the currently required repetitive inspections. This action coincides with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) policy of incorporating modifications, when available, that will terminate the need for repetitive inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to continue to detect and correct damage to the elevator structure. A damaged elevator structure could lead to reduced or loss of control of the airplane.