AD 97-18-03 Airworthiness Directives; Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems Co., Cone and Seal Assemblies, Part Numbers 210543 and 210543-01

Cone and Seal assemblies, part numbers 210543 and 210543-01, that [[Page 45152]] were manufactured or repaired from August 1996 through July 1997; utilized in aircraft that are certificated in any category. Note 1: These Puritan-Bennett cone and seal assemblies, part numbers 210543 and 210543-01, may be attached to the following part number Puritan-Bennett sweep-on crew oxygen masks: 114321-01, 114321-15, 114321-16, 114322-01, 114322-02, 114322-03, 114322-05, 114323-01, 114622-01, 114622-02, 114623-01, 114623-02 Note 2: This AD applies to each aircraft equipped with a cone and seal assembly that is identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether the aircraft has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For aircraft 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 the next 7 days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of the ultrasonic weld on the cone and seal assembly of the oxygen mask with consequent reduced oxygen flow through the mask, which could result in the crew not being able to obtain oxygen in an emergency situation, accomplish the following: (a) Replace any cone and seal assembly referenced in the Applicability section of this AD with an FAA-approved assembly not covered by this AD. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may equip an aircraft with any Puritan-Bennett cone and seal assembly, part numbers 210543 and 210543-01, that were manufactured or repaired between August 1996 and July 1997. Note 3: Puritan-Bennett Service Bulletin No. 3500-97-14, dated August 7, 1997, specifies identification and replacement of the part numbers 210543 and 210543-01 cone and seal assemblies. (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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO. (e) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of the document referred to herein upon request to Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems Co., 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66215; or may examine this document at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (f) This amendment (39-10113) becomes effective on September 22, 1997. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 19, 1997. Terry L. Chasteen, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-22638 Filed 8-25-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P