AD 2009-07-08 Airworthiness Directives; Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-46-350P and PA-46R-350T Airplanes

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

This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:   Models Serial Nos. PA-46-350P 4636375 through 4636447. PA-46R-350T 4692001 through 4692068.

To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:   Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Insert the following into the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM): “Operate Only under Day Visual Flight Rules (VFR).” You may remove the limitations specified in this paragraph after doing the action required in paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) of this AD, as applicable Before further flight after May 5, 2009 (the effective date of this AD). Under 14 CFR 43.7, the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate is allowed to insert the information into the AFM as specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. You may insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the AFM to comply with this action. Make an entry into the aircraft logbook showing compliance with this portion of the AD per compliance with 14 CFR 43.9. (2) Inspect the 35-amp and 250-amp current limiters for installation in the proper location Within 100 hours time-in-service after May 5, 2009 (the effective date of this AD). Follow Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 2000, dated September 16, 2008. (3) If you find any current limiter not in the proper location, reinstall the current limiter in the proper location Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. Follow Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 2000, dated September 16, 2008. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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: John Lee, Aerospace Engineer, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone: (770) 994-6736; fax: (770) 703-6097. 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 Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 2000, dated September 16, 2008, 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 Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 978-6573; Internet: http://www.newpiper.com/company/publications.asp. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the Central Region, call (816) 329-3768. (4) You may also review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD 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 24, 2009. John R. Colomy, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-6986 Filed 3-30-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from three reports of incorrectly installed current limiters. We are issuing this AD to detect incorrect installation of 35-amp and 250-amp current limiters, which could result in failure of the 35-amp current limiter if installed in the 250-amp location. This failure could lead to a total loss of electrical power.