80-05-01 WEATHERLY AVIATION COMPANY, INC.: Amendment 39-3704. Applies to all Model 201C series airplanes certificated in all categories.
Compliance is required as indicated unless already accomplished.
To prevent possible failure of the aft fuselage attach provisions, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 50 hours' time in service from the effective date of this AD, visually inspect with at least 2X magnification the four P/N 40352-9 and 40352-10 tail cone attach fittings for evidence of cracking, particularly in the bend radii and in the area of the bend relief hole.
NOTE: Weatherly Aviation Company, Inc. Service Note No. 10, dated January 23, 1980, refers to this subject.
(b) If cracks are found, replace the cracked fittings with P/N 40352-19 or 40352-20 fittings prior to further flight.
(c) Repeat the visual inspection of P/N 40352-9 and 40352-10 fittings required in paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 100 hours' time in service since the lastinspection. Repetitive inspections required by this paragraph of this AD may be terminated when replacement of fittings with P/N 40352-19 and 40352-20 fittings is accomplished.
(d) Whenever cracks or other damage have been found in the welded tube tail frame, which mounts the tail wheel spring, inspect the tail cone attach fittings per paragraph (a) of this AD prior to further flight.
(e) Alternative inspections, modifications or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region.
This amendment becomes effective March 3, 1980.