AD 97-16-10 Airworthiness Directives; RAPCO, Inc. Filter, Part Numbers RA- 1J4-4, RA-1J4-6, and RA-1J4-7 From Lot Numbers 05597, 07797, and 12597

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

Filter Part Numbers (P/N) RA-1J4-4, RA-1J4-6, or RA-1J4-7 from Lot Numbers 05597, 07797, or 12597 installed on, but not limited to, the following airplanes, certificated in any category: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Manufacturer Model ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna).......... 310R and T310R. Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) E33A, F33A, V35A, V35B, 36, (formerly known as Beech Aircraft A36, 58, 65-B80, 70, 95- Corporation). B55, D55, E55. The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper)...... PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA- 31P, PA-31P-350, PA-31T, PA- 34-200T. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane with one or more of these filters installed that is 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 (d) 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 within 2 days after the effective date of this AD or prior to further flight, whichever occurs later, unless already accomplished, except to those operators receiving this action by priority letter issued July 31, 1997, which made these actions effective immediately upon receipt. To prevent failure of the flight instruments during flight because of a failed in-line pressure filter, which could cause loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Remove any filter with an applicable part number and lot number and replace with an FAA-approved filter that incorporates a part number (P/N) and lot number not covered by this AD. Note 2: RAPCO, Inc. distributed a news letter entitled RAPCO, Inc Reporter, dated January 1, 1995, Issue 6, that discusses the care and maintenance of the in-line filters and hoses to prevent damage. (b) Upon the effective date of this AD, no person may equip an aircraft with any RAPCO filters marked with P/N RA-1J4-4, RA-1J4-6, or RA-1J4-7 that are from Lot Numbers 05597, 07797, or 12597. Note 3: Production of the affected filters has ceased. The affected lots were produced [[Page 44408]] in February 1997, and a check of the aircraft records will give a good indication as to whether these filters have been installed on an aircraft. (c) Special flight permits may be issued for daytime visual flight rules (VFR) flight only, 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 to accomplish the requirement of this AD. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 E. Devon, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. (e) Information related to this AD may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (f) This amendment (39-10103) becomes effective on September 18, 1997, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 97-16-10, issued July 31, 1997, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 14, 1997. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-22147 Filed 8-20-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U