Airworthiness Directive 2008-03-11
one-timeAirworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Design Limited Model R2160 Airplanes
What this AD requires
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as distortion of the rudder bars due to rudder control forces during aerobatic operation and nose wheel steering reaction forces. Rudder bar distortion could result in reduced control or loss of control. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
Which aircraft AD 2008-03-11 applies to
Applies to airplanes that have NOT installed the improved-design rudder bars P/N 27.40.31.010 (left) and P/N 27.40.31.020 (right) per Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 143 (dated September 8, 1995) or Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-27-003 (dated October 19, 2007). Rudder control forces during aerobatic operation and nose wheel steering reaction forces may cause rudder bar distortion, potentially resulting in reduced or loss of control.
Whether AD 2008-03-11 actually applies to your aircraft (by serial and installed parts) and whether it’s already complied with comes from that aircraft’s records.
How AD compliance is recorded
A valid compliance record (14 CFR 43.9) states:
Tailplate reads a tail number’s logbooks and matches every applicable AD — including this one — to its compliance evidence, with recurring next-due dates computed.
Look up a tail number →Read the full directive (Federal Register)Applicability is derived from the FAA directive corpus and is advisory, not a legal airworthiness determination. Compliance is established only from an aircraft’s actual records.