SERVICE 1123D NO.

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

2926 Piper Drive
BULLETIN
Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A. 32960
PIPER CONSIDERS
COMPLIANCE MANDATORY
Date: January 26, 2022 (M)

Service Bulletin (SB) 1123D supersedes SB 1123C and prior revisions, except for requirements of SB 1123A that
are mandated by an FAA-issued Airworthiness Directive. Aircraft that were previously made compliant with SB
1123C are in compliance with SB 1123D until the next recurring inspection.

SUBJECT: PA-34 SERIES AIRCRAFT NOSE GEAR INSPECTION

AND PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS

REASON FOR REVISION: SB 1123D clarifies inspection guidance in Table 1. Other

changes are to bring the document up to current Piper
format.

MODELS AFFECTED: SERIAL NUMBERS AFFECTED:

PA-34-200 Seneca 34-7250001 thru 34-7450220
PA-34-200T Seneca II 34-7570001 thru 34-8170092
PA-34-220T Seneca III 34-8133001 thru 34-8633031; 3433001 thru 3433172;
3448001 thru 3448037
PA-34-220T Seneca IV 3447001 thru 3447029; 3448038 thru 3448079
PA-34-220T Seneca V 3449001 and up

COMPLIANCE TIME: To coincide with the next regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to exceed
fifty (50) hours time in service or unless otherwise specified in the “Instructions”
section of this service bulletin.

APPROVAL: The engineering aspects of this service document have been shown to comply
with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and are FAA approved.

PURPOSE: A review of the service difficulty reports concerning PA-34 nose landing
gear indicates a need to emphasize and expand upon the periodic inspection
requirements currently listed in the PA-34 series maintenance manuals in order
to avoid the possibility of nose gear failures and inadvertent collapse. Modification
of some components have been made to extend their long-term service life. This
publication introduces the revised inspection requirements and identifies those
parts which have undergone design modification improvements. Included are
revisions and refinements of the rigging procedures pertaining to the nose gear
installation.

ATA/JASC: 3220

(OVER)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 2 of 12

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Inspections
The following Table 1 lists scheduled maintenance actions and inspections pertaining to the nose landing
gear that will be included in all PA-34 series maintenance manuals. These inspections are in effect until the
contents of this service bulletin are incorporated into the appropriate maintenance manuals. All other landing
gear inspections, as called out in the “Scheduled Maintenance” section of the appropriate aircraft maintenance
manuals, are still valid and must be complied with in addition to these inspections.
2. Modified Components
The following parts have been modified to increase their service life. This service bulletin does not require the
immediate replacement of the currently installed part, but are recommended as replacements.
NOTE: Aircraft serial numbers 3449262, 3449313 and up have had the modified parts factory installed
during production. While they are already installed, they still need to be inspected.
a. Nose gear upper drag link attach bolt AN7-35, Piper P/N 400-274:
The Nose Gear Installation has been revised to replace the AN7-35 bolt with NAS6207-50D, Piper
P/N 693-215, a stronger bolt.
b. Steering Channel Assembly Piper P/N 95394-000:
The steering channel has been revised to increase the material thickness by 25% and the height increased to
prevent “ball-out-of-track” failures. The Piper part number for the redesigned steering channel is 95394-005.
The 95394-005 steering channel is approved for all PA-34 series aircraft.
c. Actuator Mount Bracket, Piper P/N 95724 and Bushing, Piper P/N 95061-89:
The actuator mount bracket has gone through two major design changes, from aluminum to steel, and
a recent change of adding reinforcements to increase the bearing surfaces for Piper P/N 95061-089
bushing.
• For all PA-34-200 and PA-34-200T serial numbers 34-7250001 through 34-7570050 (with aluminum
bracket), visually inspect the aluminum mount bracket for wear, cracks, loose rivets and other damage,
within the next 50 hours and at 50 hour intervals thereafter (refer to Table 1, item 9).
• For PA-34-200T aircraft, serial number 34-7570051 and up, for all PA-34-220T aircraft through serial
number 3449193, visually inspect the steel mount bracket for wear, cracks, loose rivets and elongation
of the attachment hole for the Piper P/N 95061-089 bushing, within the next 50 hours and at 100 hour
intervals thereafter.
The kits listed in Table 2 are required if the aluminum or steel actuator mount brackets are discrepant
and must be replaced for the noted aircraft and serial numbers. The kit includes the latest design mount
bracket and new required hardware for the attachment of the nose gear retraction link assembly, Piper P/N
95712-00/-04.
d. Turn-stop boss failure on the strut upper tube assembly Piper P/N 95720:
Piper Service Kit 767-368 has been established to add a turn limit indicator on PA-34 series aircraft prior
to serial number 3449060. (PA-34-220T Seneca V aircraft serial numbers 3449060 and up have a factory
installed turn limit placard.)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 3 of 12

TABLE 1
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

Inspection Time (hrs)

Nature of Inspection
50 100 500 1000
Inspect nose gear steering control and travel. (Refer to the “Alignment of Nose Gear” section of
1 the applicable Airplane Maintenance Manual.
0 0 0
Inspect gear struts, attachments, torque links, retraction links, bolts and bushings for condition
2 and security. (Refer to the “Cleaning, Inspection, and Repair” section of the applicable 0 0 0
Maintenance Manual). See section 3 of this service bulletin for wear limits.
Visually inspect (2000 hrs. initial) the nose gear trunnion (Piper P/N 95723-00,-05,-06) for cracks
3 in the area of attachment to the nose gear mount assembly (See Figure 1) using supplemental 0
lighting and a 10X magnifier.
Inspect nose gear upper drag link attach bolt (Ref. Instruction Step 2. a. in this service bulletin)
every 100 hours. Replace the following hardware common to the nose gear upper drag link and
nose gear trunnion every 500 hours.
 AN7-35 or NAS6207-50D bolt
4  AN960-716L washer 0 0 0
 AN960-716 washer
 AN320-7 nut
 MS24665-302 cotter pin
Inspect the nose gear retraction link retention spring (P/N 96178-0) for damage, distortion, or
5 corrosion.
0 0 0
Remove triangular shaped, nose gear strut servicing access panel located in the forward
baggage compartment.
a. Inspect nose tiller roller, steering arm channel and tiller track for condition. 0 0 0
6 b. Examine the tiller, tiller roller, and steering arm channel, turn-stop bosses for damage
caused by exceeding nose wheel turn limits when towing with power equipment. 0 0 0
c. Inspect the AN4-10A bolts attaching the P/N 95393-00 arm to the steering channel for
proper torque (50-70 in. lbs). If found loose, replace bolts and re-torque. 0 0 0
Inspect the nose gear drag link center pivot and attachment bolts for condition and security.
7 (Replace as required.) 0 0 0

Inspect the nose gear down lock link assembly for binding, worn spring retention pin, and any
8 noticeable elongation of the hole associated with the spring retention pin. Inspect the down lock 0 0 0
link spring for damage, distortion, or corrosion. Clean and lubricate the link using MIL-L-7870 oil.
Inspect the actuator mounting bracket for cracks, elongation of the .250 dia. holes where the
retraction link attaches, and for loose mounting rivets. (Reference Figure 1A for rivet inspection
details) See paragraph 2. c. for aluminum -vs- steel mounting bracket inspections. See section 3
of this service bulletin for wear limits. See applicable S/N below.
9 a. 34-7250001 through 34-7570050 0 0 0 0
b. 34-7570051 and Up 0 0 0
For aircraft in category 9.a. that have had the steel mount bracket installed (95724-004 thru –
007, as applicable), inspection requirements shall be per category 9.b.
Inspect the bolt and bushing associated with the attachment of the P/N 95712-00 or
10 –04 retraction link to the actuator mounting bracket. Replace if “wear grooves” are noted in 0 0 0
either the bolt or bushing.
Inspect the AN23-25 stop bolt that is installed in the actuator mounting bracket for condition and
11 security.
0 0 0
Lubricate the nose landing gear per the lubrication chart located in the applicable aircraft
12 maintenance manual.
0 0 0 0
Verify proper adjustment of the nose gear down lock link by performing the rigging procedure per
13 the “Installation and Rigging of the Nose Gear” section of the applicable maintenance manual, 0 0 0
as modified by section 4, Rigging Instructions, of this service bulletin.
Inspect the Tunnel Bracket 95554-000 installation for loose attachment rivets to the tunnel and
nose gear mount fitting 95555-000 and visually inspect for cracks in the bracket attachment
flange adjacent to the fitting. If present, an access opening located in the bottom skin at B.L.
00.00, just aft of Sta. 49.5 bulkhead, can be used to facilitate this inspection. Alternately, a mirror
14 and flashlight, or a borescope, can be used to gain visual access through structural openings in 0 0 0
the tunnel bracket (some removal of floor carpet may be required). Inspect for overloaded joints
by observing the area during the landing gear cycle test performed per Inspection No. 9. (Ref.
Figure 1A) and looking for any relative motion between riveted components.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 4 of 12

Figure 1
Trunnion Inspection
(See Table 1, Item 3)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 5 of 12

Inspect
flange radius
for cracks

D
FW

Inspect these
11 rivets
STA. 49.5
BULKHEAD

TUNNEL

Inspect these (4 rivets) for

attachment of tunnel bracket
95554-000.

Inspect for loose mounting rivets that attach the actuator mounting bracket to tunnel aft of Sta. 49.5 bulkhead by
placing aircraft on jacks, extend and retract landing gear and note any relative motion between the subject bracket
and the tunnel. It will be necessary to pull carpet away from the side of tunnel to inspect noted rivets.

Figure 1A
Actuator Mounting Bracket Kits

TABLE 2
ACTUATOR MOUNT BRACKET KITS
Kit
Model Effectivity Mount Assembly
Number
767-357 PA-34-200 34-7250001 thru 34-7350135 95724-007 replaces 95724-000
767-358 PA-34-200 34-7350136 thru 34-7450220
767-358 PA-34-200T II 34-7570001 thru 34-8170092 95724-005 replaces 95724-002
34-8133001 thru 34-8633031;
767-359 PA-34-220T III 3433001 thru 3433172;
3448001 thru 3448037
3447001 thru 3447029; 95724-006 replaces 95724-004
767-359 PA-34-220T IV 3448038 thru 3448079
3449001 through 3449261;
767-359 PA-34-220T V
3449263 through 3449312
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 6 of 12

3. Service Wear Limits

These wear limits are in effect until the contents of this service bulletin are incorporated into the appropriate
maintenance manuals.
Table 3 is a “Wear Limits” chart that can be used to determine the acceptable/or replacement condition for the
listed parts that were inspected per Instruction Step 1 in this service bulletin. Visually inspect all bolts/pins for
wear, damage, or corrosion. Replace as required.

TABLE 3
SERVICE WEAR LIMITS
ID Wear Limits ID Wear Limits
Part Description Part Description
Min. Max. Min. Max.
1. Drag Link Upper Bushing 0.562 0.564 Steering Arm Center Pivot
6. 0.250 0.253
2. Drag Link Center Bushing 0.375 0.377 Sleeve
3. Drag Link Lower Bushing 0.438 0.442 7. Down Lock Link Bushing 0.251 0.253
4. Trunnion Pivot Bushings 0.500 0.503 8. Actuator Mount Bracket 0.250 0.252
Steering Arm Center Pivot
5. 0.375 0.377 9. Down Lock Link Rod End 0.190 0.192
Bushings

5 6

See DETAIL VIEW A

4 7

2
3

DETAIL VIEW A

Figure 2
Service Wear Limit Locations
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 7 of 12

See
OVERCENTER MEASUREMENT
Figure 4

DOWN LOCK
LINK ASSY.

TAKING MEASUREMENT

AN960-716L
NAS6207-50D or AN7-35 AN960-716L
AN960-716 or AN960-716L
AN320-7
MS24665-302

Figure 3
Drag Link Overcenter Measurement
Nose Gear Installation
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 8 of 12

NOTE: Upstop NOT installed on PA-34-200 aircraft S/N 34-7250001 through 34-7350135 unless Kit 760-699 has
been complied with.

Figure 3A
Nose Gear Installation
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 9 of 12

4. Rigging Instructions
These rigging instructions are in effect until the contents of this service bulletin are incorporated into the
appropriate maintenance manuals.
All other rigging instructions as called out in the “Installation and Rigging of the Nose Gear” section of
the appropriate aircraft maintenance manual are still valid and must be complied with in addition to these
corrections/clarifications.
4.1 Nose Gear Drag Link Inspection and Adjustment
a. For Seneca serial numbers 34-7250001 through 34-7450220: Rigging of the nose gear installation
(Item 13, Table 1) shall be accomplished per this service bulletin.
b. For Seneca II through V: Rigging of the nose gear installation (Item 13, Table 1) shall be accomplished
per the appropriate service manual. Refer to the maintenance manual for the procedure to make the
over center measurement.
4.2 Steering Arm Channel Clearance
Turn the nose gear full travel and make sure the clearance between the steering arm assembly and
the tiller track is a minimum 0.03 of an inch at both the left and right stops (see Figure 4). If insufficient
clearance is obtained, loosen the upper mounting bolts for the tiller track and move the track upwards in
the slotted holes where the track is attached to the gear mount assembly. Adjust to obtain a minimum
clearance of 0.03 of an inch. Tighten the upper mounting bolts.

Figure 4
Steering Arm Channel Clearance
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 10 of 12

4.3 Installation and Rigging of Nose Gear (Refer to Figures 3 and 3A)
NOTE: Referring to Chapter 12 for proper lubricants, ensure that affected parts of the landing gear, such as
bearings, bushings, etc., are lubricated before and after assembly.
a. Position the gear assembly between the mounting points, making certain the tiller roller is properly
inserted in the steering arm channel.
b. Align the mounting points of the trunnion assembly with those on the mount and install the appropriate
hardware. The bolt heads should be inboard, with the nuts outboard and just loose enough to allow
the gear to swing freely.
c. If necessary, assemble the drag links. Installed or removed, use the appropriate instructions in this
section to check their rigging.
d. The drag links are installed with their through center stops facing up, the upper link connection
aligned with the right side of the gear’s upper ring block and the lower link connection positioned in
its bracket on the bottom rear of the nose gear mount (see Figure 3). With the links in position, install
the connecting hardware and move the gear to assure free movement.
e. At the actuator downlock mount (see Sketch B, Figure 3A), disconnect the retention spring from the
retraction link fitting.
f. Position the gear in its down locked position and check that the drag links have fully extended to their
through center position with the stop surfaces in contact.
g. With the actuating piston rod extended, adjust the piston rod end such that 0.25 of an inch of rod
travel remains in the actuator before full extension. Connect the rod end to its mount on the gear
assembly. The retraction link to which the actuator is attached should be near its stop.
h. Reconnect the retention spring to the retraction link fitting.
i. Install the down lock link (see Figure 3) with the rod end connected to the retraction link and the other
end to the bottom drag link.
j. Adjust the down lock link as necessary until the guide pin is completely bottomed out at the top of its
slot and the retraction link is moved against its stop.
NOTE: If the down lock link is adjusted properly, the retraction link will be moved completely to its
stop by the down lock link therefore taking up some of the extra actuator piston rod travel
and activating the down and locked limit switch.
k. Retract and free fall the landing gear at least three times. Remove the down lock link, shorten it by
1/2 turn and reinstall.
l. The down and locked limit switch should be adjusted to have it actuated when the retraction link is
back against its stop.
m. Using a tow bar to reach full travel against stops, rig the nose gear steering rod ends as necessary
to allow full deflection.
n. Refer to Figure 3A, Sketch D, and set the up stop to the dimension shown. Retract the gear and
ensure the nose gear housing engages the stop under retraction pressure. Adjust as necessary.
NOTE: After any up stop adjustment, the gear must be cycled to ensure the strut engages the stop
under pressure.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 11 of 12

NOTE: For PA-34-200 aircraft (S/N 34-7250001 through 34-7350135) which do not have “Upstop” Kit, Piper
P/N 760-699 installed, rig the up limit switch as noted:
• All adjustments of the limit switches should be made with the airplane on jacks. Do not bend
actuator springs mounted on the limit switches.
• Adjustment of the nose gear up limit switch:
The gear up limit switch is mounted on a bracket attached to the lower inner left tubular member
of the nose gear mount, adjacent to the gear roller track assembly.
(1) To facilitate adjustment of the limit switch, disconnect gear doors.
(2) Turn master switch ON, move gear selector switch to the gear up position and raise the
landing gear. Turn the master switch OFF.
(3) Block the nose gear in the up position and slowly pull the free fall knob away from the
instrument panel. This will relieve hydraulic pressure and permit the main gear to drop.
(4) Loosen the attachment screws of the switch and rotate the switch toward the actuator tang
until the switch is heard to actuate. Retighten the switch attachment screws. Remove the
block from under the gear and allow it to extend slowly.
(5) Turn master switch on, raise gear and determine that the gear lights function properly.
o. Retract the gear and check that the up switch is just activated when the gear contacts the stop.
Following this, adjust the switch upward another 0.02 to 0.04 of an inch.
p. Support the gear in its up locked position and adjust the rod end of the actuator piston rod to allow a
minimum of 0.06 of an inch actuator travel remaining with the gear up and locked.
q. Cycle the gear a few times and check down lock, and up stop action, and switch activation. Include
short pickup cycles which simulate gear sag pickup in flight. Leave gear up.
r. Check up switch bracket override action to ensure proper activation.
s. Extend the gear and check that the actuator piston travel remaining till full extension is not less than
0.15 of an inch.
t. Retract and free fall the gear to ensure the retraction link retention spring moves to the assemblies
aft causing the down lock link to fully compress and the drag links to lock in their over center position.
u. Turn the nose gear full travel and make sure the clearance between the steering arm assembly and
the tiller track is between 0.06 and 0.03 of an inch at both the left and right stops.
CAUTION: THE TILLER, TILLER ROLLER, AND STEERING ARM CHANNEL CAN BE DAMAGED
IF NOSE WHEEL TURN LIMITS ARE EXCEEDED WHEN TOWING THE AIRPLANE WITH
POWER EQUIPMENT. INSPECT, ADJUST, REPAIR OR REPLACE AS REQUIRED.
v. Verify free and correct movement of the tiller roller between the steering arm channel and the tiller
track and up and down the tiller track.
w. Refer to the appropriate paragraph in this section for rigging of the nose gear doors.
x. Lube the system as specified in Chapter 12 of the appropriate maintenance manual.
y. Ascertain the gear is down and locked and check alignment of landing gear. Refer to the appropriate
section of this chapter.
z. Remove airplane from jacks.
5. Documentation of Compliance
Make a logbook entry documenting compliance with this service bulletin.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1123D PAGE 12 of 12

MATERIAL REQUIRED: One (1) each, if required, per aircraft:

• Nose Gear Hydraulic Jack Mount Assembly Kit, Piper P/N 767-357, 767-358,
or 767-359 (in accordance with the effectivities shown in Table 2)
• Turn Limit Kit, Piper P/N 767-368
• Bolt, Piper P/N 400-274 (AN7-35) or Piper P/N 693-215 (NAS6207-50D)
• Washer, Piper P/N 407-591 (AN960-716L)
• Washer, Piper P/N 407-568 (AN960-716)
• Nut, Piper P/N 404-396 (AN320-7)
• Cotter Pin, Piper P/N 424-085 (MS24665-302)
• Steering Channel, Piper P/N 95394-005

AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Your Piper Approved Service Center; hardware may be procured locally.

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:
CustomerService@piper.com
Please include in subject line: “Aircraft ownership update”
 Atlanta ACO Branch
Aircraft Certification Service 1701 Columbia Ave.
Compliance & Airworthiness Division College Park, Georgia 30337

February 10, 2022

In Reply, Reference FAA Correspondence # 7A0-22-2785

Mr. Mitch Cannon

ODA Administrator
Piper Aircraft, Inc.
2926 Piper Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32960

Subject: Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) for Airworthiness Directive 2005-13-

16, Paragraph (e) and (g)

Dear Mr. Cannon:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received your proposal dated February 2, 2022,
proposing a Global AMOC to paragraph (e) and (g) of Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-
13-16 for all Piper Model PA-34 aircraft. This AD requires owners/operators of affected
aircraft to detect, correct, and prevent failure in certain components of the nose landing gear
(NLG), lack of cleanliness of the NLG due to inadequate maintenance, or lack of lubricant in
the NLG or NLG components. This failure of the NLG could lead to loss of control of the
airplane during take-off, landing, or taxiing operations. The AD requires the actions to be
accomplished in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin (SB) 1123A dated November 30,
2004.

The Atlanta ACO Branch has reviewed your request and approves your Global AMOC
proposal of using SB 1123D dated January 26, 2022, in its entirety as an AMOC to paragraph
(e) and (g) of AD 2005-13-16. This AMOC applies to all aircraft models listed in paragraph
(c) of AD 2005-13-16. All provisions of AD 2005-13-16 that are not specifically referenced
above remain fully applicable and must be complied with accordingly. This FAA AMOC is
transferable with the aircraft.

Please include a copy of this AMOC when distributing SB 1123D. Before using this
AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the
manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. When
complying with or verifying compliance with AD 2005-13-16 using this AMOC, a copy of
this letter shall be inserted into the maintenance records of the airplane.

The following material provides the substantiating data used to establish the acceptable level
of safety which was the basis for approving the AMOC.
1. Piper Service Bulletin 1123 revision D, dated January 26, 2022.
2. Piper AMOC proposal letter summarizing changes to SB 1123D.
 2

The preceding paragraph also applies to any applicable foreign-registered aircraft upon
transfer of the aircraft to the U.S. registry if compliance with the AMOC has not been
accomplished.

This AMOC only applies to the FAA AD listed above. The FAA does not have the authority to
approve this as an AMOC to any AD issued by another civil aviation authority (CAA). Approval
of an AMOC to another CAA’s AD must come from that CAA. A copy of this response will be
forwarded to the CAA where these aircraft are registered for their consideration.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Tuan H. Tran at
telephone 404-474-5522, or electronic mail at tuan.h.tran@faa.gov.

Sincerely,
Digitally signed by
DARBY J MIROCHA
Date: 2022.02.10
12:58:44 -05'00'

for Christina M. Underwood

Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch
Compliance and Airworthiness Division
Aircraft Certification Service