AD 89-18-06

89-18-06 AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT (BELLANCA, CHAMPION): Amendment 39-6306.

Applicability: Models 7ECA, 7GCAA, 7GCBC, 7KCAB, 8GCBC, and 8KCAB (all serial numbers) airplanes certificated in any category, when equipped with front folding seats.

Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of the AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent failure of the seat back which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD and, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service from the last inspection until the actions specified in paragraph (b) below are accomplished, accomplish the following:

(1) Magnetic particle or dye penetrant inspect the left and right sides of the welded lower seat frame side-tube/side-brace junction and seatback hinges for evidence of cracks. If any cracks are found, prior to further flight repair, in accordancewith the recommended procedures in Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1A, the crack or replace the cracked part with a serviceable part.

(2) Fabricate and install on the instrument panel in clear view of the pilot a placard with letters of minimum 0.2 inches in height which reads as follows: "Warning: Do not pull or push on upper seat back."

(b) Within the next 150 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, replace the front folding seat frame with an exchange unit in accordance with American Champion Aircraft Service Letter No. 401, dated June 14, 1989. The repetitive inspections and the placard specified in paragraph (a) above are no longer required after the actions specified in this paragraph have been accomplished.

(c) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD may be accomplished.

(d) An equivalent means of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office,ACE-115C, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of the documents referred to herein upon request to American Champion Aircraft, P.O. Box 37, Rochester, Wisconsin 53167, or may examine these documents at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

This amendment (39-6306, AD 89-18-06) becomes effective on September 21, 1989.