AD 2011-23-11 Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

Makes named: pacific aerospace. Models named: FU24-954, FU24A-954. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Models FU24-954 and FU24A-954 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the following actions within 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 15, 2011 (the effective date of this AD) or within 12 calendar months after December 15, 2011 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first: (1) Review the aircraft records and determine whether a hopper lid modification has been recorded. If a hopper lid modification has been recorded, determine whether the aircraft was certified for release to service after completion of the modification and whether the applicable approved technical data (supplemental type certificate (STC) or field approval) is referenced. Visually inspect for an unapproved hopper lid modification. (2) If the hopper lid modification is an approved design, do a conformity inspection and determine whether the hopper lid modification conforms to the applicable approved technical data (supplemental type certificate (STC) or field approval). (3) If the hopper lid modification is not an approved design (STC or field approval), before further flight, remove the hopper lid installation. Note 1: The Frontier-Aerospace Incorporated Models Fletcher FU-24 and Fletcher FU-24A airplanes do not have this unsafe condition and are not affected by this AD. Note 2: The basic hopper installation for the Pacific Aerospace Limited Model FU24-954 airplane does not include a hopper lid due to the canopy sliding partly over the hopper inlet. A separate approval must be obtained to install a hopper lid. FAA AD Differences Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.

The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov . 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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Investigation of a recent Cresco 08-600 accident identified a risk of the hopper lid interfering with the opening of the canopy in the event of an emergency landing. The pilot was prevented from opening the canopy by the hopper lid in the fully forward open position. This AD is issued due to the fact that the hopper lid installation on the accident aircraft was an unapproved modification and the Fletcher FU24 hopper installation is a similar design to the Cresco 08-600. The MCAI requires reviewing the aircraft records, doing a conformity inspection for an approved design hopper lid installation, and removing the hopper lid installation, if not an approved design.

None.