EASA AD No.: 2011-0078 

EASA Form 110 Page 1/2

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2011-0078 

Date: 05 May 2011 

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with 

Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and 

of the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of 

that Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate 

an aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD unless otherwise specified by the Agency 

[EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption]. 

Type Approval Holder’s Name : 

Saab AB, Aeronautics 

Type/Model designation(s) : 

SF340A and 340B aeroplanes 

TCDS Number : EASA.A.068 

Foreign AD : Not applicable 

Supersedure : None 

ATA 27 Flight Controls – Elevator Pushrod Assembly – Identification / 

Inspection / Replacement 

Manufacturer(s): Saab AB, Aeronautics (formerly Saab Aerosystems). 

Applicability: Model SF340A and 340B aeroplanes, all serial numbers. 

Reason: Field experience has indicated that wear of the elevator pushrod has 

occurred on some aeroplanes after extended time in service. Although 

properly installed, the locknut has been able to back off within a limited 

range, leading to degradation of the pushrod which causes backlash in 

between the rod end threads. 

This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to a free elevator 

affecting the pitch control authority, possibly resulting in reduced control of 

the aeroplane. 

To address this unsafe condition, SAAB AB Aeronautics have issued 

Service Bulletin (SB) 340-27-100, accomplishment of which will reduce the 

probability for backlash and minimize the possibility of failure in the pitch 

control system. 

For the reasons described above, this AD requires the identification of the 

pushrod assembly Part Number (P/N) as installed on the aeroplane, 

replacement of P/N TDF11755 pushrod assemblies, inspection of P/N 

12003-33 and P/N R20990 elevator pushrod assemblies and corrective 

actions, depending on findings. 

Effective Date: 19 May 2011 
EASA AD No.: 2011-0078 

EASA Form 110 Page 2/2

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously: 

(1) Within the time period specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable, 

identify the P/N of each elevator pushrod assembly installed on the 

aeroplane. 

(1.1) If a P/N TDF11755 elevator pushrod assembly is installed, or if the 

P/N cannot be determined, before next flight, replace the affected 

elevator pushrod assembly with a P/N R20990 elevator pushrod 

assembly, in accordance with the instructions of SAAB SB 340-

27-100. 

(1.2) If a P/N 12003-33 or P/N R20990 elevator pushrod assembly is 

installed, within the same period as specified in Table 1 of this AD, 

as applicable, visually inspect each elevator pushrod assembly in 

accordance with the instructions of SAAB SB 340-27-100. 

Table 1 – Inspection Compliance Time 

Flight Hours (FH) accumulated 

on the effective date of this AD: 

Compliance Time 

More than 30 000 FH Within 6 months after the effective 

date of this AD 

28 000 FH or more, but less than 

30 000 FH 

Before accumulating 30 000 FH, 

or within 6 months, whichever 

occurs later after the effective 

date of this AD 

Less than 28 000 FH At a scheduled overhaul, before 

accumulating 30 000 FH

(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1.2) of this AD, 

discrepancies are detected (as defined in SAAB SB 340-27-100), 

before next flight, replace the affected elevator pushrod assembly with 

a P/N R20990 elevator pushrod assembly, in accordance with the 

instructions of SAAB SB 340-27-100. 

(3) Within 30 days after the inspection and/or replacement as required by 

paragraph (1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable report all findings 

(including none) to SAAB. 

(4) From the effective date of this AD, do not install a P/N TDF11755 

elevator pushrod assembly on any aeroplane. 

Ref. Publications: SAAB SB 340-27-100 original issue dated 01 February 2011. 

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

Remarks : 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 

2. This AD was posted on 04 April 2011 as PAD 11-036 for consultation 

until 02 May 2011. No comments were received during the consultation 

period. 

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Airworthiness 

Directives, Safety Management & Research Section, Certification 

Directorate, EASA. E-mail ADs@easa.europa.eu. 

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements 

in this AD, please contact: 

Saab AB, Support and Services 

SE-581 88 Linköping, Sweden 

Fax: +46 13 184874 

E-mail: saab340.techsupport@saabgroup.com.