AD 2014-26-01 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, serial numbers 001 to 378, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD: (1) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after January 28, 2015 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter every 100 hours TIS, inspect any painted engine air intake box (including the deflection flap) and the air intake ducting (including the area downstream of the filter) for paint adherence defects such as peeling, blistering, or bubbling following Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin (SB) No. AA-SB-71-007, Revision 0, dated August 2014. (2) If any defects are found during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the affected parts with airworthy parts following Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin No. AA-SB-71-007, Revision 0, dated August 2014. (3) As of January 28, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), do not install a painted engine air intake box or a repaired engine air duct on any affected airplane. (4) The replacement of defective parts is not a terminating action to the repetitive inspection of painted engine intake components required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

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; phone: (816) 329-4123; 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.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 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 and cohesion defects inside the laminated ducting from the filter to the air intake box. We are issuing this AD to prevent paint defects from entering the engine which could cause loss of power.

None.