AD 83-22-01 Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.; Models PA-23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-E23-250 Airplanes

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

The following models and serial numbers, certificated in any category: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Model Serial Numbers ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PA-23-235............................. 27-505 through 27-622. PA-23-250............................. 27-1 and up. PA-E23-250............................ 27-2505 through 27-7554168, and 27-7654001 and up ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent possible wing structure damage caused by excessive fuel weight, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished (compliance with AD 83-22-01), insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM), and operate the airplane in accordance with the Zero Fuel Weight Limitations specified below: (1) Models PA-23-235 and PA-23-250 (S/N's 27-1 through 27-1999) airplanes: Zero Fuel weight--4,000 lbs. (2) Models PA-23-250 and PA-E23-250 (serial number 27-2000 and up) airplanes: Zero Fuel weight (normally aspirated)--4,400 lbs.; (Turbo-charged)--4,500 lbs. (b) Within 12 months after November 3, 1983 (the effective date of AD 83-22-01) or prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, incorporate the appropriate AFM report as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Airplane Model Serial Numbers Report ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PA-23-235......................... 27-505 through 27-622........ Report 1207, Rev. B. PA-23-250......................... 27-1 through 27-1999......... Report 1036, Rev. B. PA-23-250......................... 27-2000 through 27-2504...... Report 1204, Rev. C. PA-23-250......................... 27-2505 through 27-3836; and Report 1308, Rev. B 27-3838 through 27-3943. (4800 lbs. Gross weight). PA-23-250......................... 27-2505 through 27-3836; and Report 1360, Rev. B 27-3838 through 27-3943. (5200 lbs. Gross weight). PA-23-250......................... 27-3837, 27-3944 through 27- Report 1520, Rev. B. 4425, and 27-4427 through 27- 4523. PA-23-250......................... 27-4426, 27-4574 through 27- Report 1630, Rev. 17. 7554168. PA-23-250......................... 7654001 and up............... Report 1948, Rev. 13. PA-E23-250........................ 27-2505 through 27-3836, and Report 1378, Rev. B. 27-3838 through 27-3943. PA-E23-250........................ 27-3837, 27-3944 through 27- Report 1521, Rev. B. 4425; and 27-4427 through 27- 4573. PA-E23-250........................ 27-4426 and 27-4574 through Report 1631, Rev. B. 27-7554168. PA-E23-250........................ 27-7654001 and up............ Report 2049, Amendment 5. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (c) The actions required by this AD may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349. (1) The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance with AD 83-22-01 (revised by this action) are considered approved as alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. (f) The AFM reports referenced in this AD may be obtained from The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Services, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (g) This amendment revises AD 83-22-01, Amendment 39-4758. (h) This amendment becomes effective on November 25, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 15, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-28301 Filed 10-21-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U