AD 2014-18-03 Airworthiness Directives; APEX Aircraft Airplanes

Models named: R 3000/160. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to APEX Aircraft Models R 3000/160 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the following actions, as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD: (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) after October 17, 2014 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, accomplish a visual and tactile inspection of the engine air intake box (including the deflection flap) and the engine air ducting (including the area located downstream of the filter) following the Accomplishment Instructions section of CEAPR Mandatory Service Bulletin Number 161R3, dated September 6, 2012. (2) If any paint damage such as bubbling, blistering, peeled off areas or paint detachment is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace each damaged part with an airworthy part following the Accomplishment Instructions section of CEAPR Mandatory Service Bulletin Number 161R3, dated September 6, 2012. (3) Replacement of damaged parts on an airplane, as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD for that airplane. (4) As of October 17, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), do not install on any airplane a painted engine air intake box or repaired engine air ducting.

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: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: sarjapur.nagarajan@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.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as paint adherence defects inside the engine air intake box leading to small pieces of paint from the engine air intake box blocking the engine carburetor. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct paint adherence defects inside the engine air intake box leading to small pieces of paint from the engine air intake box blocking the engine carburetor. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an engine failure, possibly resulting in loss of control.

None.