SERVICE 1411 NO.

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

2926 Piper Drive
BULLETIN
Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A. 32960
PIPER CONSIDERS
COMPLIANCE MANDATORY
Date: December 4, 2023 (S) (M)

SUBJECT: AUTOPILOT RIGGING INSPECTION

MODELS AFFECTED: SERIAL NUMBERS AFFECTED:

PA-28-181 Piper Pilot 2881041, 28020001 thru 28020148
PA-28-181 Archer III 2843823, 2881001 thru 2881685
PA-34-220T Seneca V 3449459, 3449492 thru 3449514
PA-44-180 Seminole 4496331, 4496367 thru 4496565
PA-46-350P Mirage / M350 4636460, 4636463 thru 4636832
PA-46-500TP Meridian / M500 4697340, 4697399 thru 4697700
PA-46-600TP M600 4698001, 4698004 thru 4698278
PA-46R-350T Matrix 4692134 thru 4692214

COMPLIANCE TIME: Before further flight, except as permitted in step 2.

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

PURPOSE: Some of the affected aircraft, with less than 250 hours time in service (TIS),
may have one or more autopilot bridle cables wrapped incorrectly around the
associated autopilot and/or trim servo capstans. This condition could result in
premature cable wear, and/or restriction in the free movement of flight controls for
pitch, roll, and yaw.
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness contained in the applicable airplane
maintenance manual (AMM) includes an annual / 100 hour scheduled inspection
procedure of the autopilot system, which identifies the above-described condition.
For affected aircraft that had not had a 100 hour inspection or annual inspection
performed, this service bulletin mandates a one-time immediate inspection to
ensure the airworthiness of the autopilot system.

ATA/JASC: 2700

(OVER)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1411 PAGE 2 of 7

INSTRUCTIONS:

NOTE: The temporary removal of interior components, fairings, access panels and other aircraft components
may be required in order to accomplish these instructions.
NOTE: The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate is authorized to perform the instructions in
steps 1 and 2, and on condition, step 4. All other actions associated with this service bulletin must be
accomplished by a certificated mechanic or certified repair station, unless noted differently.
1. Verification
Determine if the autopilot system requires inspection:
a. Verify if the aircraft is equipped with a factory-installed Garmin autopilot system. On some of the affected
models, the autopilot system is optional equipment.
• If the aircraft does not have a factory-installed Garmin autopilot system, no further action is required.
Proceed to step 4.
• If the aircraft features a factory-installed Garmin autopilot system, the inspection described in this
service bulletin may be required. Proceed to step 1.b.
b. Determine if the aircraft meets the following conditions:
1) Verify the aircraft's total number of flight hours exceeds 250 hours TIS.
• If the aircraft has operated for a minimum of 250 hours TIS, no further action is required. Proceed
to step 4.
• If the aircraft has not operated for a minimum of 250 hours TIS, the inspection described in this
service bulletin may be required. Proceed to step 1.b.2), below.
2) Examine maintenance records and logbook entries for a minimum of one (1) annual / 100 hour
scheduled inspection.
• If at least one annual / 100 hour scheduled inspection has been accomplished on the aircraft, no
further action is required. Proceed to step 4.
NOTE: If followed correctly, the instructions in the AMM will identify a misrouted bridle cable
during an annual / 100 hour scheduled inspection. However, if there is any doubt, then
the dedicated inspection described in this service bulletin shall be accomplished prior to
returning the aircraft to service.
• If an annual / 100 hour scheduled inspection has not yet been accomplished on the aircraft, further
action is required. THE AFFECTED AIRCRAFT ARE GROUNDED UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT
IS MADE COMPLIANT WITH STEP 3, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED FOR IN STEP 2 OF THIS
SERVICE BULLETIN.
2. Relocation Flight
Aircraft are allowed a one-time flight to reach the nearest Piper Aircraft Dealer/Service Center or other
appropriate MRO facility that is capable of performing the inspection described in step 3.
Until the aircraft is made compliant with step 3, the following operating limitations shall be in place:
• One flight with minimum required crew only assuming the preflight checks below are successful.
• Prior to flight, verify normal, unrestricted movement of the primary flight controls.
• Prior to flight, verify elevator, rudder, and aileron controls for proper operation and expected control forces.
CAUTION: IN FLIGHT, IF THE PRIMARY FLIGHT CONTROLS APPEAR TO BE TIGHTENING / BINDING,
HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN CONTROL FORCE REQUIREMENTS, OR HAVE A
REDUCTION IN CONTROL AUTHORITY, LAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
NOTE: Refueling stops are permitted
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1411 PAGE 3 of 7

3. Inspection
Inspect the autopilot system to ensure for proper installation and rigging.
a. Inspect each autopilot servo, trim servo, and bridle cable. Verify the bridle cable is routed/wrapped
correctly in the grooves of the capstan as shown in Figure 1.
• If bridle cable is routed/wrapped correctly, it is conforming to type design. Proceed to step 3.c.
• If bridle cable is routed/wrapped incorrectly, it is not conforming to type design. Proceed to step 3.b.
b. Remove and inspect each improperly routed/wrapped autopilot servo, trim servo, and bridle cable for
damage (abrasions, fraying, etc.). See Figure 2 for examples. Order and replace damaged components
on condition. Refer to the applicable airplane parts catalog (APC) for appropriate part numbers. Refer to
chapter 22-10-00 of the applicable AMM for removal and installation instructions. See Figure 3 for an
additional example of proper cable routing.
c. Inspect all remaining autopilot system components (controls, terminals, turnbuckles, fittings, guides, and
pulleys) for safeties, condition and wear, proper installation and function. Verify bridle cable tension.
See chapter 22-10-00 of the applicable AMM. Inspect condition of cables per Control Cable Inspection,
per chapter 27-00-00 of the applicable AMM.
Order and replace any additional damaged autopilot system components as required. Refer to the
applicable APC for the appropriate part numbers.
4. Documentation of Compliance
Make a logbook entry documenting compliance with this service bulletin.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1411 PAGE 4 of 7

CORRECT ROUTING

EMPTY GROOVES BETWEEN CABLE SHOULD NOT

BE PRESENT WHEN ROUTING/WRAPPING CABLE
ON CAPSTAN.

INCORRECT ROUTING

Figure 1
Autopilot Servo Cable Inspection
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1411 PAGE 5 of 7

DAMAGED BRIDLE CABLE

DAMAGED CAPSTAN AND STANDOFFS (CABLE GUARDS)

Figure 2
Autopilot Servo Damage Due To Improper Bridle Cable Routing/Wrapping
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1411 PAGE 6 of 7

Figure 3
Proper Autopilot Bridle Cable Installation
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1411 PAGE 7 of 7

MATERIAL REQUIRED: On condition, as required, any damaged autopilot system components.

Refer to the applicable airplane parts catalog for the appropriate part numbers.

AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Your Piper Approved Service Center –

Find your local service center at https://www.piper.com/

EFFECTIVITY DATE: This service bulletin is effective December 4, 2023.

SUMMARY: Applicable factory participation is limited to new aircraft in warranty at the time of
compliance. Factory participation will remain in effect for a period of time not to
exceed 180 days from the effectivity date of this service bulletin.

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”