Textron Aviation (Beechcraft) 35 (Bonanza) Series Aeroplanes

AD/BEECH 35/67 Amdt 4

Wing Bolt, Nut and Fitting

12/2022

Applicability:

All models of Textron Aviation (formerly Beechcraft) 35 series aeroplanes.

Requirement:

1. Remove inspection covers from wing attach fitting recesses and inspect for corrosion or loss of inhibitor. Also inspect drain holes for any blockage that would cause water or debris to accumulate.

Note 1:  It may be necessary to use a bright light and mirror/magnifying glass to see hard to view areas of the bolt or fittings for signs of corrosion on accessible areas of the bolt. Non accessible areas like the bolt thread encapsulated by the nut will be inhibited, so it is highly unlikely they will experience corrosion unless the general surrounding area is corroded.

2. Remove and inspect wing bolts, washers, nuts and fittings in accordance with Beechcraft Shop Manual 35-590096B Revision B22 Section 4 or Beechcraft Maintenance Manual 36-590001-9C Revision C11 Chapter 57, both as in force on the date of commencement of this AD.

Note 2:  The bolt torque should be checked before removal for inspection or replacement to confirm the bolt has been torqued to correct value. If the torque value is incorrect, other maintenance action may be required.

3. Retire wing bolts, washers and nuts from service and replace with new hardware in accordance with Beechcraft Shop Manual 35-590096B Revision B22 Section 4 or Beechcraft Maintenance Manual 36-590001-9C Revision C11 Chapter 57, both as in force on the date of commencement of this AD. Render unserviceable all hardware retired.

Compliance:

For Requirement 1:

Every 12 calendar months for all aircraft. If visible corrosion is found within the recess or on visible portion of the bolt or nuts, washers or fittings, then Requirement 2 must be accomplished before further flight.

For Requirement 2:

a. For aircraft operating only in private operations:

i. unless the inspection has already been accomplished in accordance with either of the requirement documents within 10 years from the installation of the wing bolts, inspect within 100 hours’ time in service (TIS) or 12 months from the commencement date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

Note 3: Installation of the wing bolts includes where they are removed for inspection purposes and re-installed.

ii. re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 10 years from the previous inspection.

b. For all other operational categories,

i. unless the inspection has already been accomplished in accordance with either of the requirement documents within 5 years from the installation of the wing bolts, inspect within 100 hours’ time in service (TIS) or 12 months from the commencement date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

Note 4: Installation of the wing bolts includes where they are removed for inspection purposes and re-installed.

ii. re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 5 years from the previous inspection.

For Requirement 3:

Before 15 years TIS after the first installation of new zero time wing bolts.

Mandatory reporting requirements:

Both NIL findings of defects and confirmed defects for Requirement 2 inspection must be reported to CASA.

This AD commences on 19 July 2022.

Background:

The initial issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 1 February 1996 and made mandatory the inspection and replacement periods for the wing attachment hardware as detailed in the requirement document.

Amendment 1 of this AD added the Note to Requirement 2 and added the fittings as an item to be inspected when the wing bolts, washers and nuts are removed and inspected.

Amendment 2 of this AD removed the alternative means of compliance that had been issued to allow in-situ inspection of the wing attachment bolts and nuts rather than conduct the manufacturer’s required MPI.

Amendment 3 of this AD was issued to extend the compliance time for Requirement 1 by two months whilst the proposed airworthiness directive process was conducted for AD/BEECH 35/67 Amdt 4.

Amendment 4 of this AD allows for aircraft used in private operations to be visually inspected for corrosion in the exposed areas of the wing attach bolts and wing fitting recess with the inspection interval increased from 5 to 10 years, in lieu of using the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. For all other types of operations, the inspection requirements remain unchanged, requiring inspection of the wing attach hardware and fitting recess per the manufacturer’s maintenance data.