Inspection Tip for Beech Duke

On November 30, 2009, the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) for Beechcraft Model
60s.

The bulletin discusses a potential issue with the flaps which can cause them to individually bind.

We recommend that you check the system during your preflight inspection next time you're ready to fly. The easiest way
to do that is to run the flaps up and down and listen to the flap motor. If the motor stops when the flaps do, everything
should be fine. If the motor continues to run after the flaps have been fully extended or stowed, we suggest that you have
the rigging adjusted in accordance with the SAIB.

We also recommend that at your next annual inspection, you double check with your mechanic to ensure that he or she
has taken a close look at the roller bearings to see if there's any evidence of binding in the past.

On February 16, 2011, the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) for Beechcraft Barons,
Bonanzas, Dukes, and Travel Airs. The bulletin discusses the possibility of corrosion at the forward attach points - "nose
ribs" - of both the right and left flaps.

The FAA issued the SAIB after an incident in 2007 where a flap split during extension. The split was caused by failure of
the nose rib due to corrosion. Cracks in the nose ribs on subsequent aircraft with as few as 2000 hours prompted the
FAA to issue the bulletin.

We suggest that you follow the FAA's recommendations and check the nose rib during each of your preflight inspections.
Placing weight on the flap can cause undue stress on the nose rib. Thus, you should also avoid walking or stepping on the
flap when you wash windows or when you get in and out of the plane. You might also include a warning about stepping
on the flap when you brief passengers before they board the aircraft and again before they leave. We further recommend
that you place a placard on the flap announcing "No Step."

We also suggest that at your next annual inspection, you ask your mechanic to read the SAIB and inspect the up-stop
bumper for proper rigging and the nose rib for cracks. After the inspection, ask your mechanic about it again to ensure it
made it onto their completed checklist.