NUMBER

AIR TRACTOR, INC.

ENGINEERING #347
OLNEY, TEXAS REPORT Revision A
ORDER X MODEL
TITLE BY CHK’D See Below
SERVICE LETTER #347 Jim Hirsch DL SERIAL

DATE See Below

PAGE OF
12/9/19 1 3

Rev IR – 6/10/16 – Initial Release

Rev A – 12/9/19 – Added visual and dye penetrant recurring inspections
1. SUBJECT

Flap Torque Tube

2. MODELS AND SERIAL NUMBERS

All Air Tractor Models

3. SAFETY INTENT

We have received multiple reports of cracks in the flap actuator attach plates on the flap
torque tube on various Air Tractor models. In two cases, the flap actuator attach plates
separated completely and the flaps suddenly retracted while maneuvering. In both
cases, the pilot temporarily lost control of the plane, but was able to regain control
before the plane impacted the ground. The intent of this service letter is to warn the
operator of the possibility of these cracks and to provide inspection instructions and
intervals per Section 4 below. Also see Figure 1.

4. ACTION

A. At 300 hour (± 15%) intervals, perform a visual inspection for cracks in the flap torque
tube per the following instructions.

(1) Remove the side skins adjacent to the cockpit as necessary to gain access to the
flap torque tube.
(2) Before inspecting the torque tube welds, inspect the general condition of the flap
control system. Make sure that the system is operating properly and that the flap
travel is correct. See Owners Manual for travel limits and tolerances. Make sure
that there is no binding or rubbing in the system. Pay special attention to the
right and left flap control arm push rod attach bolts ensuring that they pass the
inboard wing skins without rubbing or hanging up.
(3) Clean the welds to remove dirt and debris that would interfere with the
inspection. Using a light and mirror, visually inspect the flap actuator attach plate
welds for cracks. Use FAA AC 43.13 Chapter 5 Section 2 “Visual Inspections” to
accomplish the visual inspection.
(4) If cracks are found, remove and replace the flap torque tube.
(5) Record in the airframe logbooks the results of this inspection and that it was
performed “per SL 347 Rev. A”.
 NUMBER
AIR TRACTOR, INC.
ENGINEERING #347
OLNEY, TEXAS REPORT Revision A
ORDER X MODEL
TITLE BY CHK’D See Below
SERVICE LETTER #347 Jim Hirsch DL SERIAL

DATE See Below

PAGE OF
12/9/19 2 3

B. At 900 hour maximum intervals, perform a dye penetrant inspection for cracks in the
flap torque tube per the following instructions. If the currently installed flap torque tube
has accumulated more than 900 hours total time upon receipt of this Service Letter,
perform this inspection at next 300 hour inspection.

(1) Complete steps (1) and (2) from Section A above.

(2) It is necessary to remove the flap torque tube from the aircraft to complete the
dye penetrant inspection. Depending on airplane configuration, remove any
components necessary to gain access to the torque tube.
(3) To remove the torque tube, remove the flap actuator as instructed in the Owners
Manual Maintenance Section. Remove the two flap control push rods and arms
from the ends of the torque tube. Remove the limit micro switch actuating arm.
(4) Remove the cable tensioner push rod. (AT-802, AT-802A only)
(5) Remove the bolts that attach the torque tube to the links in the aileron control
system. AT-802 and AT-802A do not have these.
(6) Remove the bolts that attach the torque tube to the lower longeron on both sides
and remove the torque tube from the plane.
(7) Perform a dye penetrant inspection using the methods detailed in FAA Advisory
Circular 43.13 Chapter 5 Section 5 “Penetrant Inspection”. The paint must be
removed from the weld area prior to performing the penetrant inspection. Dye
Penetrant Types I, II, or III may be used for this inspection, but note that some
penetrant types are not compatible with others (See FAA Special Airworthiness
Bulletin (SAIB) CE-18-26).
(8) If cracks are found in any weld area, the torque tube must be replaced.
(9) If no cracks are found, thoroughly clean all dye penetrant from the torque tube
with naptha, wipe clean, and then blow dry any crevices with compressed air.
Repaint the bare metal areas with paint products listed in the Owners Manual.
Once dry, reinstall the torque tube and all disturbed parts/systems.
(10) Inspect the area thoroughly to ensure proper installation and adjustment and
perform any functional checks necessary to ensure proper operation of any
system that may have been affected by this inspection.
(11) Record in the airframe logbooks the results of this inspection and that it was
performed “per SL 347 Rev. A”. Also record what type of dye penetrant was
used in this inspection. (Type I – Fluorescent Dye, Type II – Visible Dye, Type III
– Dual Mode Visible and Fluorescent Dye).

Please report any cracked weld on the flap torque tube to the Customer Service
Department at Air Tractor. (940-564-5616)
 NUMBER
AIR TRACTOR, INC.
ENGINEERING #347
OLNEY, TEXAS REPORT Revision A
ORDER X MODEL
TITLE BY CHK’D See Below
SERVICE LETTER #347 Jim Hirsch DL SERIAL

DATE See Below

PAGE OF
12/9/19 3 3

EXAMPLE CRACK LOCATION