Control surfaces made for the De Havilland DHC-2 by Peninsula Air Metals and sold as individual parts to customers for repairs are the subject of a recent FAA unapproved parts notification (UPN). The purpose of the UPN is to advise aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers and distributors regarding individual control surface skins that were produced by the repair station as components that were not approved and in at least one case, the work orders indicate that the material thickness was incorrect.
Information received during an FAA suspected unapproved parts investigation revealed that Peninsula Air Metals of Homer, Alaska, fabricated and sold approximately 52 control surface skins for De Havilland DHC-2 aircraft to nine different companies over the last nine years without a production manufacturing authorization (PMA). According to the UPN, though evidence indicates that the corrugated skins meet fit, form, and function, at least six rudder skins were found to have been produced with incorrect material thickness.
The FAA is cautioning operators if a control surface has been changed on the aircraft—with or without paperwork linking it to Peninsula Air Metals—it should be quarantined until a determination can be made regarding its workmanship and eligibility for installation.
