AD Proposed for King Air Controls

On Monday, the FAA issued a proposed Airworthiness Directive that would mandate a one-time 80-manhour detailed inspection of the flight-control systems on Raytheon Beechcraft King Air C90A, B200, B200C, B300 and B300C turboprops. The proposed AD is the result of a report of "nonconformities" by an FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office. "These nonconformities affected the flight controls," the proposed AD states, "and included improper assembly and damage to the flight controls that could lead to loss of control of the airplane." The AD would require operators to inspect the affected models within 100 hours of the effective date of the AD or at the next annual inspection that occurs at least 30 days after the effective date. If any problems are found, corrective action must be taken before further flight, per instructions in Raytheon Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3761. "A high number have been inspected and are back in the field," a Raytheon spokesman said.