AD 2007-06-16 Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A48EU Previously Held by APEX Aircraft and AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN) Model R2160 Airplanes

Models named: R2160. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers 001 through 191, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) references Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, which states that: Development of the New Zealand produced Alpha 160A aircraft identified an issue with the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not be possible to switch the valve ON once the valve has been placed in the OFF position. This is due to friction in the shut-off system. The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally ON, is a safety feature to allow the pilot to stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency situation such as a forced landing without power. The fuel shut-off control is guarded and requires a deliberate action by the pilot to operate. Not withstanding this, a hazardous situation is possible if the fuel shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF in flight and the pilot is not able to switch it back ON.

Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) To prevent the shut-off valve from remaining partially closed when the selector is turned to the ON position, due to the possibility of excess friction in the fuel shut-off valve causing deflection of the push pull cable, accomplish the inspection and rework instructions in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. (2) If the fuel shut-off valve cable is bent, replace the cable per Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, before further flight. (3) If the force required to operate the fuel shut-off valve exceeds the limits specified in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, rework or replace the valve as required, per Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, before further flight. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (g) Refer to MCAI Airworthiness Authority of New Zealand AD DCA/R2000/39, dated August 31, 2006; and Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference You must use Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002 (Service Bulletin number is indicated at top of page), dated June 28, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Alpha Aviation Design Ltd., Ingram Road, Hamilton Airport, R.D.2. Hamilton 3282, New Zealand. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 9, 2007. David R. Showers, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-4861 Filed 3-19-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) To prevent the shut-off valve from remaining partially closed when the selector is turned to the ON position, due to the possibility of excess friction in the fuel shut-off valve causing deflection of the push pull cable, accomplish the inspection and rework instructions in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. (2) If the fuel shut-off valve cable is bent, replace the cable per Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, before further flight. (3) If the force required to operate the fuel shut-off valve exceeds the limits specified in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, rework or replace the valve as required, per Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, before further flight. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (g) Refer to MCAI Airworthiness Authority of New Zealand AD DCA/R2000/39, dated August 31, 2006; and Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference You must use Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002 (Service Bulletin number is indicated at top of page), dated June 28, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Alpha Aviation Design Ltd., Ingram Road, Hamilton Airport, R.D.2. Hamilton 3282, New Zealand. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 9, 2007. David R. Showers, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-4861 Filed 3-19-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P