AD 85-05-01

85-05-01 PIPER: Amendment 39-5011. Applies to Model PA-31P (Serial Numbers 31P-3 through 31P-7730012) airplanes certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent the propagation of cracks in the fuselage bulkhead at station 332.0, and loss of stabilizer front spar structural support, accomplish paragraph (a) as follows:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 200 hours time-in-service, inspect, using a dye-penetrant method, the fuselage station 332.0 bulkhead in accordance with Piper S/B No. 802 dated December 12, 1984.

(1) If no cracks are found to exist, make appropriate maintenance record entry of compliance.

(2) If cracks are found that do not exceed the acceptable limitations given in Piper S/B No. 802, prior to further flight stop drill the crack(s), and install Reinforcement Kit, Piper Part Number 764-983, orreinforced bulkhead assembly, Piper Part Number 45583-16.

(3) If cracks are found that exceed the acceptable limitations given in Piper S/B No. 802, prior to further flight replace the bulkhead assembly with Reinforced Bulkhead Assembly, Piper Part Number 45583-16.

(b) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be discontinued when Reinforcement Kit Piper Part Number 764-983, or Replacement Bulkhead Piper Part No. 45583-16 is installed.

(c) The intervals between repetitive inspections required by this AD may be adjusted up to 10 percent of the specified interval to allow accomplishing these inspections concurrent with other scheduled maintenance of the airplane.

(d) The airplanes may be flown, in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where the AD may be accomplished.

(e) An equivalent method of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, ACE-115A, FAA, Central Region, 1075 Inner Loop Road, College Park, Georgia 30337; Telephone (404) 763-7428.

This amendment becomes effective on March 15, 1985.