Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited BN-2A and BN2A Mk. III Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-14- 01, which currently applies to all Pilatus Britten-Norman Limited (Pilatus Britten-Norman) BN-2A and BN2A Mk. III series airplanes. AD 97-14-01 requires repetitively inspecting the left-hand rudder bar assembly for cracks, measuring the slider tube unit wall thickness, and modifying the rudder bar assembly by installing a slider tube unit of improved design as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. AD 97-14-01 resulted from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. Reports of cracks being found on the right-hand rudder bar assembly and the inadvertent omission of requiring inspection of the rudder pedal beams prompted this action. This AD retains the requirements of AD 97-14-01 and requires inspections of the right-hand rudder bar assembly and each rudder pedal beam. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the pilot's and co-pilot's rudder bar assemblies, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.