FAA Issues Airworthiness Concern Sheet for Lancair Evolution Aircraft

The FAA is currently investigating concerns surrounding damaged elevator control horns, part number (PN) 435-0004, on Lancair Evolution aircraft. An Airworthiness Concern Sheet (ACS) has been issued by the FAA to inform pilots and owners and to gather additional information. The ACS was issued after a routine inspection uncovered excessive play in the elevator flight controls, and further investigation found visible damage.

A detailed visual inspection checking for “signs of cracking, corrosion, or other damage both inside and around the control horn” is being recommended by the FAA. If damage is discovered, the FAA is asking it be reported. The report should include a description of the damage, photographs, recommended inspection techniques to locate the damage, the aircraft serial number, the damaged part’s time in service, and any other information that may assist in their evaluation of the issue. Images and photos of the affected part, as well as contact information for the office requesting the information, can be found in the ACS. 

The FAA uses the Airworthiness Concern Sheet to communicate and coordinate potential airworthiness concerns to the industry and to gather information about specific issues before they reach the level of required airworthiness actions. EAA, along with other associations and type clubs, disseminates the voluntary ACS as a means to help the FAA gather information and to better understand any mitigating circumstances surrounding each particular issue.