AD 77-01-01

77-01-01 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-2796. Applies to Model PA-28-140 serial numbers 28-7225001 through 7725086; Model PA-28-150/160/180 serial numbers 28-7205001 through 7505259; Model PA-28-151 serial numbers 28-7415001 through 7715200; Model PA-28-181 serial numbers 28-7690001 through 7790192; Model PA-28-235 serial numbers 28-721001 through 7610181; Model PA-28R-200 serial numbers 28R-7235001 through 7635459; Model PA-32-260 serial numbers 32-7200001 through 7700005; and Model PA-32-300 serial numbers 32-7240001 through 7740012 certificated in all categories.

Compliance required as indicated.

To prevent possible fuel exhaustion due to an erroneous fuel quantity gauge indication, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 10 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless (b) and/or (c) have been accomplished, attach the following Placard to the instrument panel near the fuel quantity gauges, in clear view of the pilot, using 1/8" minimum size type:

"WARNING FUEL GAUGES MAY INDICATE AS MUCH AS 2 1/2 GALLONS WHEN TANKS ARE EMPTY."

The placard may be fabricated by the owner/operator or Piper Part Number 35669-14 may be used.

(b) Within the next 200 hours' time in service or 12 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, check each of the fuel quantity gauges for proper calibration in accordance with the following procedures. These checks may be performed by the pilot.

(1) Place the airplane on a known level area in an approximately static level condition.

(2) Insure that each fuel tank contains a minimum of five (5) gallons of fuel.

(3) Start the engine and run at 1000 rpm for approximately two (2) minutes. Alternator portion of split master switch must be on.

(4) Shut down the engine but leave the master switch on during steps (5), (6) and (7).

(5) Defuel each airplane fuel tank. CAUTION: Insure that the aircraft and the defuelingvehicle are properly grounded and insure that proper fire protection equipment is available.

(6) Repeat (3).

(7) With the engine running, determine the fuel quantity indication for each gauge.

(8) If the gauges indicate zero (0) or below, no further action is required. Return the airplane to service.

(9) If a gauge indicates above zero (0), accomplish (c), or replace the erroneous gauge with a serviceable gauge, which has the appropriate Piper Part Number and is identified with a white dot on the lower right hand corner of the face.

(c) The fuel quantity gauges that do not meet (b)(9) must be calibrated to a zero (0) indication in accordance with FAA approved Piper instructions by an FAA approved facility or by an FAA authorized Piper Aircraft Corporation employee.

(d) When (b) and/or (c) have been accomplished, the placard required by (a) may be removed.

(e) Alternate method of compliance must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region.

Piper Service Bulletin 533 also pertains to this same subject.

This amendment becomes effective January 7, 1977.