AD 2008-05-11 Airworthiness Directives; Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Models 17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC Airplanes

This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:   Model Serial Nos. 17-30 All serial numbers. 17-30A 30263 through 301030. 17-31 All serial numbers. 17-31A All serial numbers. 17-31ATC All serial numbers.

To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:   Actions Compliance Procedures (1) For aircraft models and serial numbers listed below, inspect the exhaust system for cracks or other defects such as excessive wear: (i) Model 17-30, all serial numbers; (ii) Model 17-30A, serial numbers 30263 through 301030; (iii) Model 17-31, all serial numbers; and (iv) Model 17-31A, all serial numbers. Initially within the next 12 months after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) or within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. Then repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months or 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. Accomplishment of the actions in paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (e)(2)(ii) of this AD terminates the recurring inspections required in this paragraph for the replaced/reconditioned exhaust system (left and/or right side). Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007. (2) Repair or replace the exhaust system using any of the opti ons listed below: (i) Option #1—replace the entire defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) with new parts as specified in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007; (ii) Option #2—replace the entire defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) with parts reconditioned to the new parts as specified in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007; or (iii) Option #3—recondition or repair the defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) to their original configuration using FAA-approved methods and materials. Before further flight after any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD where a crack or other defect is found. The actions in paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (e)(2)(ii) of this AD terminate the recurring inspections required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD for the replaced/reconditioned exhaust system (left and/or right side). Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007. (3) For aircraft models and serial numbers listed below that do not have Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Kit 1067: Rerouting Right Magneto “P” Lead installed, reroute the magneto “P” leads: (i) Model 17-30A, serial numbers 30263 through 30998; (ii) Model 17-31A, all serial numbers; and (iii) Model 17-31ATC, all serial numbers. Within the next 12 months after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) or within 100 hours TIS after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Kit 1072 instructions located on drawing SK 1072, dated April 2, 2007, as referenced in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Michael Downs, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-118C, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; phone: (847) 294-7870; fax: (847) 294-7834. 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. Material Incorporated by Reference (g) You must use Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007; and Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Kit 1072 instructions located on drawing SK 1072, dated April 2, 2007, as referenced in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007, 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 Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC, 2504 Aga Drive, Alexandria, MN 56308; phone: (320) 763-4088; fax: (320) 763-4095; Internet: http://www.bellanca-aircraft.com . (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 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 February 25, 2008. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-3899 Filed 3-3-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from several accidents caused by exhaust system failures. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the exhaust system, which could result in heat damage to magneto electrical wiring and smoke in the cockpit. This failure could lead to loss of engine power and/or a fire in the engine compartment.