AD 2012-20-02 Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Airplanes

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

This AD applies to Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the following actions following Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-71-006, dated May 2012: (1) Within the next 30 days time-in-service (TIS) after November 9, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the air filter part number (P/N) 57.34.00.010 to determine if it has been fitted with a perforated metal liner. (2) If, after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, the air filter part number (P/N) 57.34.00.010 is found to include the perforated metal liner, no further action is required. (3) If, after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, the air filter is found to not contain the perforated metal liner, before further flight, replace the air filter with a new air filter P/N 57.34.00.010 that does contain the perforated metal liner. (4) After November 9, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), do not install any air filter P/N 57.34.00.010 that does not have the perforated metal liner depicted in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-71-006, dated May 2012.

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.

This AD was prompted by reports of possible installation of non-conforming air filter elements that are not fitted with metallic mesh and could internally collapse resulting in disruption of the powerplant operation. We are issuing this AD to inspect the air filter element and replace if applicable.

None.