AD 70-09-02

70-09-02 PIPER: Amdt. 39-977 as amended by Amendment 39-1376. Applies to PA-28R-180 airplanes serial numbers 28R-31071 and 28R-31073 through 28R-31266, and PA-28R-200 airplanes serial numbers 28R-35001 through 28R-35698, 28R-35700, 28R-35702, 28R- 35704, 28R-35705, 28R-35709, and 28R-35711 through 28R-35713.

Compliance required as indicated.

To insure that cracks are not present in the propeller spinners used on the referenced aircraft, comply with paragraph (a) or (b).

(a) Within the next 25 hours' time in service after the effective date of this airworthiness directive, unless already accomplished remove spinner body Piper Part No. 66786- 00, 68713-00, or 760290 as applicable; spinner cap Piper Part No. 66785-00 if applicable; and spinner bulkhead Piper Part No. 68734-00 if desirable. Spinner bulkhead removal requires removal of the propeller, which must be accomplished by authorized individuals or repair facilities.

NOTE: These airplanes are approved forflight with the spinner removed and the bulkhead installed; or with the spinner and bulkhead both removed.

(b) Within the next 25 hours' time in service after the effective date of this airworthiness directive, unless already accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours' time in service, remove the spinner cap and/or body and visually check them and the bulkhead for cracks starting from blade cut-outs, attachment holes, pilot holes, plate nuts, etc. The bulkhead need not be removed for this inspection. Remove from further service all parts on which cracks are found. If no cracks are found, the spinner may be reinstalled. New parts may be installed to replace those found cracked.

(c) The checks required by this airworthiness directive may be performed by pilots, including pilots of aircraft engaged in air carrier operations, except removal and replacement of the bulkhead. Removal and replacement of the bulkhead requires removal and replacement of the propeller, which must be accomplished by authorized individuals or repair facilities.

NOTE: For the requirements regarding the listing of compliance and method of compliance with this airworthiness directive in the airplane's permanent maintenance record, see FAR 91.173.

(d) Time intervals for the visual checks may be adjusted up to a maximum of 10 hours to coincide with aircraft annual or 100 hour scheduled inspections.

(e) The recurrent inspections required in paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) may be discontinued upon installation of Piper spinner kit No. 760410V.

Piper Service Bulletin No. 309 or later approved revision covers this same subject.

Amendment 39-977 became effective April 24, 1970.

This Amendment 39-1376 becomes effective January 20, 1972.