SERVICE 1379 NO.

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

2926 Piper Drive
BULLETIN
Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A. 32960
PIPER CONSIDERS
COMPLIANCE MANDATORY
Date: December 2, 2022 S

SUBJECT: RUDDER INSPECTION

MODELS AFFECTED: SERIAL NUMBERS AFFECTED:

J3C-65/L-4/NE-1/NE-2 All
J4 Cub Coupe All
PA-11 Cub Special/L-18B All
PA-15/-17 Vagabond All
PA-16 Clipper All
PA-18/-19/L-18C/L-21A/L-21B All
PA-20 Pacer All
PA-22 Tri-Pacer All

NOTE: Instructions contained within this service bulletin apply only to genuine Piper parts. Piper has no
knowledge of the materials or manufacturing processes used by STC (Supplemental Type Certificate)
or PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) holders that manufacture replacement parts for Piper products.
Contact the component manufacturer for guidance.
NOTE: Replacement parts for the affected aircraft may no longer be available from Piper.

COMPLIANCE TIME: To coincide with the next regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to
exceed the next 100 hours time in service.

APPROVAL: The alteration specified hours in the instructions section of this service bulletin
has been shown to comply with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and
is FAA approved.

PURPOSE: Rudders installed on the affected aircraft may have a rudder post manufactured
from American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1025 carbon steel. Over time, rudder
posts manufactured from 1025 steel are prone to fatigue failure, which could lead
to loss of control of the aircraft.
If it cannot be confirmed that the rudder post is made of 4130N steel, this service
bulletin mandates the replacement of the rudder with one that is known to contain
a rudder post made from 4130N steel.

ATA/JASC: 5540

(OVER)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1379 PAGE 2 of 5

INSTRUCTIONS:

Instructions in Part I are at owner/operator discretion. If Part I is not accomplished, proceed to Part II on page 3.
The affected aircraft fall into two categories:
• For aircraft with an airworthiness certificate issued prior to June 3rd, 1974, these aircraft were delivered
from the factory with a rudder post made from 1025 steel. If a complete service history exists and it can be
confirmed that the original rudder is still on the airplane, proceed to “Part II. Replacement” on page 3.
• For aircraft with an airworthiness certificate issued on or after June 3rd, 1974, these aircraft were delivered
from the factory with a rudder post made from either 1025 steel or 4130N steel. Additionally, aircraft with a
rudder of unknown service history will have a rudder post made from either 1025 steel or 4130N steel. For
these aircraft, the type of steel alloy used in the manufacture of the rudder post cannot be determined by
visual inspection. At owner/operator discretion, proceed to Part I. Inspection. Otherwise, proceed to “Part II.
Replacement” on page 3.
Part I. Inspection
NOTE: As an alternative to the acid test method described in this service bulletin, a portable X-ray
Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer may be used to determine the alloy used in the rudder post. Follow
device manufacturer’s instructions.
1. Remove the rudder from the aircraft per aircraft maintenance manual, and place on a flat horizontal work
surface.
2. Mark the location along the rudder post according to “Figure 1” on page 4. Remove fabric covering to reveal
a 3 to 5 inch length of rudder post tube. Using 220-grit or finer abrasive paper, remove paint, primer and any
visible corrosion, to achieve a bare metal surface free of contamination.
3. Solvent wipe area with isopropyl alcohol or acetone to remove any debris. Allow solvent to evaporate.
4. Obtain a small quantity of Certified ACS nitric acid (70% v/v). One possible source is Fisher Scientific under
Catalog No. A200-500.
NOTE: Thoroughly review the nitric acid Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that is supplied by the chemical
manufacturer. Don all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure all exposure controls
are in place prior to performing the nitric acid test below.
WARNING: NITRIC ACID IS HIGHLY CORROSIVE AND TOXIC. IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS EYE AND/
OR SKIN DAMAGE. IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL RELEASE, DO NOT BREATHE VAPORS OR
AEROSOLS. AVOID SUBSTANCE CONTACT.
CAUTION: BEFORE CONDUCTING THE TEST, PREPARE A BAKING SODA PASTE TO NEUTRALIZE
THE ACID AND ENSURE WATER IS AVAILABLE TO CLEAN THE RUDDER POST.
5. Apply one drop of the 70% nitric acid onto the surface of the part. Do not allow nitric acid to drip/run. Observe
the drop for a reaction, which, if it occurs, will be immediate.
• If the drop remains clear, the rudder post is made from 4130N steel. No replacement interval applies.
Proceed to step 6.
• If the drop turns a yellowish orange or brown, the rudder post is made from 1025 steel. In this configuration,
the rudder is subject to a replacement interval. Proceed to Part II. Replacement.
NOTE: Regardless of findings, neutralize the drop of acid using a baking soda paste, followed by a clean
water rinse and drying. Any unused waste nitric acid must be disposed of in accordance with the
national and local regulations.
6. Finish all bare metal surfaces as follows: Apply primer that conforms to MIL-PRF-85582 Type 1 Class C2, or
any one of the primers listed in “TABLE 1” on page 3. Follow with a top coat of Axalta Imron paint, or other
compatible paint.
7. Repair the portion of the fabric covering that was removed to accomplish this inspection.
8. Per the aircraft maintenance manual, Reinstall the rudder onto the aircraft.
9. Per the aircraft maintenance manual, Perform a functional check on any systems that were disturbed during
this inspection.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1379 PAGE 3 of 5

TABLE 1
ACCEPTABLE EPOXY PRIMERS

Piper Part No. Vendor Product Name Vendor Product Number

PPG Aerospace
279-179 EWDE072A/B
PRC-DeSoto
279-506 AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings 10P8-10NF / EC-283
279-108 AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings 10P30-5 / EC-275
279-359 Deft Inc. 44GN036
279-240 Axalta (formerly DuPont) Axalta Epoxy 13550S

10. Make a logbook entry documenting compliance with Part I of this service bulletin, specifically stating the results
of this inspection.
Part II. Replacement
1. Replace the rudder with a rudder that is known to contain a rudder post made from 4130N steel.
2. Make a logbook entry documenting compliance with Part II of this service bulletin.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1379 PAGE 4 of 5

REMOVE FABRIC COVERING

TO ACCESS RUDDER POST

RUDDER POST

24 +/-5
UP

FWD

Rudder Assembly
Figure 1
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1379 PAGE 5 of 5

MATERIAL REQUIRED: One (1) each, Rudder Assembly, per applicable specifications, per aircraft

AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Your Piper Approved Service Center

EFFECTIVITY DATE: This service bulletin is effective upon receipt.

SUMMARY: Please contact your Piper Approved Service Center to make arrangements for
compliance with this service bulletin in accordance with the compliance time
indicated.

NOTE: Please notify the factory of any address/ownership corrections. Changes should include aircraft model,
serial number, and current owner’s name and address.

Corrections and/or changes should be directed to:

PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC.
Attn: Customer Service
2926 Piper Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32960
or:
[email protected]
Please include in subject line: “Aircraft ownership update”