AD FAA-2018-0447

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 188A and 188C airplanes; and Model P3A, P-3A, and P3B airplanes type certificated under various other type certificate holders. Certain variants of Model 188A and 188C airplanes are known as "P-3" series airplanes. P-3 series airplanes include but are not limited to Model CP-140, NP-3A, P3A, P-3A, P3B, P-3B, P-3C, P-3P, and WP-3D airplanes. This AD requires a borescope inspection of the aileron control rod assembly to determine if threads exist on the aileron control rod body, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that certain aileron control rod bodies were incorrectly machined so that they did not include the load- carrying threads in the bore of the aileron control rod body. As a result, aileron control rod assemblies, which contain the discrepant part, do not provide adequate load carrying capabilities. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.