AD 85-08-05

final rule

Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes

AD Number
85-08-05
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Unknown
FR Citation
This information is not available.
Technical illustration of an aircraft landing gear and wheel assembly
Problem area Landing gear

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31-300 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31-325 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31-350 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31P Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31T Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31T1 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31T2 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes
aircraft Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-31T3 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes

Unsafe Condition

Abnormal wear or damage (gouges, scoring, ridges, non-concentric wear) on strut housing interior walls and deformed retaining pins could lead to loss of main and nose landing gear.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Inspect strut housing interior walls for abnormal wear or damage and replace if found. Remove and replace retaining pins connecting upper bearing to piston tube, using oversize pins if holes are deformed or install new harder pins if acceptable. Reassemble with new seals and reinstall landing gear per manuals.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Piper Models PA-31/PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3 with specified serial ranges as listed in the AD text.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Federal Register Abstract

Strut Housing Inspection

Applicability Source Text

Show captured applicability text from the source AD
AD Final Rules - DRS_85-08-05.html
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AD Number:
85-08-05
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
Unknown
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA...Show more
Subject:
Strut Housing Inspection
Status:
Current
Citation:
This information is not available.
Citation Publish Date:
05/30/1985
Effective Date:
05/15/1985
Make:
Piper Aircraft Inc.
Model:
PA-31 | PA-31-300 | PA-31-325 | PA-31-350 | PA-31P | PA-31T | PA-31T1 | PA-31T2 | PA-31T3
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Small Airplane
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
AIR-700: Compliance & Airworthiness Division
Office of Primary Responsibility:
AIR-720: Operational Safety Branch
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 85-08-05
CITATION:   This information is not available.

PAGE NUMBER:  

DOCKET NUMBER:   Unknown

AMENDMENT:   39-5040

AD NUMBER:   85-08-05

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes

ACTION:  

SUMMARY:  

DATES:   Effective May 20, 1985.

ADDRESSES:  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  

REGULATORY TEXT:  
85-08-05 PIPER: Amendment 39-5040. Applies to Models PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325 (S/Ns 31-2 through 31-8312014); PA-31-350 (S/Ns 31-5001 through 31-8352042); PA-31-350 T-1020 (S/Ns 31-8153001 through 31-8353007); PA-31P (S/Ns 31P-1 through 31P-7730012); PA-31T (S/Ns 31T-7400002 through 31T-8120104); PA-31T1 (S/Ns 31T-7804001 through 31T-8304003 and 31T-1104004 through 31T-1104006; PA-31T2 (S/Ns 31T-8166001 through 31T-8166071, 31T-8166073, and 31T-8166076) and PA-31T3 T-1040 (S/Ns 31T-8275001 through 31T-8375003) airplanes certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To preclude loss of the main and nose landing gear, accomplish the following:

(a) On all applicable airplanes, remove each piston tube assembly from its strut housing in accordance with instructions in the appropriate Maintenance Manual.

(1) Inspect the interior walls of each strut housing for abnormal wear or damage (gouges, scoring, ridges, non-concentric wear). Replace housing assembly if such wear or damage is indicated.

(2) Remove and replace the retaining pins connecting the upper bearing to the piston tube in accordance with either paragraph (a)(4)(i) or (a)(4)(ii) of this AD. The bearing and piston tube are drilled to allow slip fit, and the pins should come out easily. Seizing or deformation of pins is an indication of the damage described in paragraph (a)(4)(i), below.

(3) On Models PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325 (S/Ns 31-2 through 31-8312014); PA-31-350 (S/Ns 31-5001 through 31-8352042); PA-31P (S/Ns 31P-1 through 31P-7730012); PA-31T (S/Ns 31T-7400002 through 31T-8020088); PA-31T1 (S/Ns 31T-7804001 through 31T-8004055); PA-31T2 (S/Ns 31T-8166001 through 31T-8166013) airplanes only:

Remove the upper bearing and inspect the area shown in Sketch A of Piper Service Bulletin No. 779A dated July 16, 1984. If ridges are found in the designated inspection area, replace the bearing. Inspect replacement bearings in accordance with Sketch A prior to installation.

(4) Visually inspect the pin holes in the piston tube.

(i) If holes are found to be elongated, deformed, chamferred, or out of tolerance (holes should be concentric with nominal dimension of .250 - .251), or if standard Piper Part Number 01821-06 or 01821-07 pins cannot be pressed easily into holes, install oversize pins in accordance with either Piper Kit 764 417 or Piper Kit 764 418.

(ii) If holes are acceptable, replace pins with new harder retaining pins, Piper Part Number 01821-06 or Piper Part Number 01821-07, as applicable for the strut involved.

(5) Reassemble the strut, replacing all seals, rings and wipers with new parts per applicable parts catalog and reinstall landing gear in accordance with appropriate Maintenance Manual.

(b) Aircraft may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD can be accomplished.

(c) An equivalent method of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, ACE-115A, FAA Central Region, 1075 Inner Loop Road, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone (404) 763-7428.

This amendment becomes effective on May 20, 1985.

FOOTER:

Document Text

Show stored source text (verify against official source)
AD Final Rules - DRS_85-08-05.html
Copy URL
Print/Save as PDF
Document Versions
 Feedback
Details
AD Number:
85-08-05
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
Unknown
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA...Show more
Subject:
Strut Housing Inspection
Status:
Current
Citation:
This information is not available.
Citation Publish Date:
05/30/1985
Effective Date:
05/15/1985
Make:
Piper Aircraft Inc.
Model:
PA-31 | PA-31-300 | PA-31-325 | PA-31-350 | PA-31P | PA-31T | PA-31T1 | PA-31T2 | PA-31T3
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Small Airplane
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
AIR-700: Compliance & Airworthiness Division
Office of Primary Responsibility:
AIR-720: Operational Safety Branch
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 85-08-05
CITATION:   This information is not available.

PAGE NUMBER:  

DOCKET NUMBER:   Unknown

AMENDMENT:   39-5040

AD NUMBER:   85-08-05

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Piper Model PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-31T1, PA-31T2 and PA-31T3 Airplanes

ACTION:  

SUMMARY:  

DATES:   Effective May 20, 1985.

ADDRESSES:  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  

REGULATORY TEXT:  
85-08-05 PIPER: Amendment 39-5040. Applies to Models PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325 (S/Ns 31-2 through 31-8312014); PA-31-350 (S/Ns 31-5001 through 31-8352042); PA-31-350 T-1020 (S/Ns 31-8153001 through 31-8353007); PA-31P (S/Ns 31P-1 through 31P-7730012); PA-31T (S/Ns 31T-7400002 through 31T-8120104); PA-31T1 (S/Ns 31T-7804001 through 31T-8304003 and 31T-1104004 through 31T-1104006; PA-31T2 (S/Ns 31T-8166001 through 31T-8166071, 31T-8166073, and 31T-8166076) and PA-31T3 T-1040 (S/Ns 31T-8275001 through 31T-8375003) airplanes certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To preclude loss of the main and nose landing gear, accomplish the following:

(a) On all applicable airplanes, remove each piston tube assembly from its strut housing in accordance with instructions in the appropriate Maintenance Manual.

(1) Inspect the interior walls of each strut housing for abnormal wear or damage (gouges, scoring, ridges, non-concentric wear). Replace housing assembly if such wear or damage is indicated.

(2) Remove and replace the retaining pins connecting the upper bearing to the piston tube in accordance with either paragraph (a)(4)(i) or (a)(4)(ii) of this AD. The bearing and piston tube are drilled to allow slip fit, and the pins should come out easily. Seizing or deformation of pins is an indication of the damage described in paragraph (a)(4)(i), below.

(3) On Models PA-31/PA-31-300 and PA-31-325 (S/Ns 31-2 through 31-8312014); PA-31-350 (S/Ns 31-5001 through 31-8352042); PA-31P (S/Ns 31P-1 through 31P-7730012); PA-31T (S/Ns 31T-7400002 through 31T-8020088); PA-31T1 (S/Ns 31T-7804001 through 31T-8004055); PA-31T2 (S/Ns 31T-8166001 through 31T-8166013) airplanes only:

Remove the upper bearing and inspect the area shown in Sketch A of Piper Service Bulletin No. 779A dated July 16, 1984. If ridges are found in the designated inspection area, replace the bearing. Inspect replacement bearings in accordance with Sketch A prior to installation.

(4) Visually inspect the pin holes in the piston tube.

(i) If holes are found to be elongated, deformed, chamferred, or out of tolerance (holes should be concentric with nominal dimension of .250 - .251), or if standard Piper Part Number 01821-06 or 01821-07 pins cannot be pressed easily into holes, install oversize pins in accordance with either Piper Kit 764 417 or Piper Kit 764 418.

(ii) If holes are acceptable, replace pins with new harder retaining pins, Piper Part Number 01821-06 or Piper Part Number 01821-07, as applicable for the strut involved.

(5) Reassemble the strut, replacing all seals, rings and wipers with new parts per applicable parts catalog and reinstall landing gear in accordance with appropriate Maintenance Manual.

(b) Aircraft may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD can be accomplished.

(c) An equivalent method of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, ACE-115A, FAA Central Region, 1075 Inner Loop Road, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone (404) 763-7428.

This amendment becomes effective on May 20, 1985.

FOOTER:

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 8, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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