AD 96-12-04 Airworthiness Directives; Superior Air Parts, Inc. Pistons Installed on Teledyne Continental Motors O-470 Series Reciprocating Engines

Makes named: cessna, continental, teledyne, superior air parts. Models named: O-470-K, -L, -R reciprocating. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) pistons, Part Numbers (P/N's) SA626992 and SA626992P15, installed on Teledyne Continental Motors Model O-470-K, -L, -R reciprocating engines. These engines are installed on but not limited to Cessna 182 series aircraft. Note: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each piston 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 pistons that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any piston from the applicability of this AD.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent piston failure, which can result in engine power loss, engine failure and loss of the aircraft, accomplish the following: (a) At the next access to the piston, top overhaul, or major overhaul after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove pistons, P/N SA626992, from service and replace with a serviceable part. Note: The affected pistons can be identified by either a stamped-in P/N on the piston dome (SA626992 or SA626992P15) or, by a raised casting number (SA632932) along one of the piston pin bosses on the underside of the piston. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Special Certification Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth Special Certification Office. Note: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth Special Certification Office. (c) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) This amendment becomes effective on August 12, 1996. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1996. Robert E. Guyotte, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-14870 Filed 6-11-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U