AD 67-26-03

67-26-03 PIPER: Amdt. 39-582. Applies to Model PA-28-140 Airplanes, Serial Numbers 28-20913 through 28-22917; Model PA-28-150, PA-28-160, PA-28S-160, PA-28-180, PA-28S-180 Airplanes, Serial Numbers 28-2533 through 28-3979; Model PA-28-235 Airplanes, Serial Numbers 28-10676 through 28-10891, Model PA-32-260 Airplanes, Serial Numbers 32- 04, 32-17 through 32-861; Model PA-32-300, PA-32S-300 Airplanes, Serial Numbers 32-15, 32- 40000, through 32-40239.

Compliance required as indicated.

To prevent the possibility of restricting fuel flow through the fuel system screens and filters caused by sealing material film (sloshing compound) which has peeled from the inner surfaces of the main fuel tanks, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 100 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished within the last 100 hours' time in service, inspect the entire interior of both main fuel tanks for sealing material film which has separated from or is loosely attached to the tank interior surfaces. Inspection may be accomplished through the filler neck without removing the tank from the aircraft, but the tank should be completely drained and dried. Exert precautions usually followed around explosive vapors.

(b) Remove all separated and loosely attached material from the tank interior.

(c) If no loose or separated material is found in aircraft having less than 1000 hours' time in service repeat the inspection prescribed in (a) above at intervals not to exceed 100 hours' time in service from the last inspection. The inspections may be discontinued after the third inspection (including the initial inspection prescribed in (a) above or at 1000 hours' total time in service if no peeling has been found. Small scrapes in the film adjacent to the filler neck may be disregarded provided there is no indication of peeling.

(d) If no loose or separated material is found in aircraft having 1000 hours' or more timein service it will not be necessary to inspect after the initial inspection prescribed in (a) above.

(e) If loose or separated material was found at any time, prior to but not later than the next 100 hours' time in service after effective date of this airworthiness directive remove the tank from the airplane and reseal in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 251B dated March 13, 1968, and with instructions contained in Piper Kit No. 921-388V, or Piper Kit No. 757-572V, or an equivalent method approved by Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region. Following resealing conduct the inspection prescribed in (a) above at intervals not to exceed 100 hours' time in service. These inspections may be discontinued after the second inspection if not further peeling is found. Small scrapes in the film adjacent to the filler neck may be disregarded provided there is no indication of peeling.

Aircraft log record entry must be made to reflect AD compliance in accordance with FAR 43.9.

The inspection time intervals (other than for the initial inspection) may be adjusted up to a maximum of 10 hours to coincide with aircraft annual or 100-hour scheduled inspections.

This supersedes 67-16-02.

This amendment becomes effective April 12, 1968.