AD 90-01-02

90-01-02 PIPER (TED SMITH AEROSTAR, AEROSTAR, BUTLER AIRCRAFT COMPANY): Amendment 39-6517. Final copy of priority letter AD.

Applicability: Piper Models PA-60-600 (turbocharged only), PA-60-601, PA-60-601P, PA-60-602P, and PA-60-700P (all serial numbers (S/N)) airplanes, and Ted Smith Aerostar (Butler Aircraft Company) Models 600 (turbocharged only), 601, 601A, 601B, and 601P (all S/N) airplanes, certificated in any category, except those airplanes incorporating Machen Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA980NM.

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

To alert the pilot of a nacelle overheat or fire condition which could result in damage to the wing structure, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, modify the airplane by installing Piper Engine Fire Detection System Kit, Piper Part Number 764-158, in accordance with the instructions in Part II of the Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 920, dated August 7, 1989, and modify the Airplane Flight Manual/Pilot's Operating Handbook by inserting the appropriate supplement provided with the above kit.

(b) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours time-in-service, accomplish the dismantling inspections and reinstallation of the exhaust tailpipe assembly as specified in Part I of Piper SB No. 920, dated August 7, 1989. If any discrepancies are found, prior to further flight repair the discrepancies in accordance with the above SB or appropriate Piper Maintenance Manual.

(c) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 and FAR 21.199 to a location where this AD may be accomplished.

(d) An alternate method of compliance or adjustment of the initial or repetitive compliance times which provides an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1669 Phoenix Parkway, Suite 210C, Atlanta, Georgia 30349.

NOTE: The request should be forwarded through an FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of the documents referred to herein upon request to the Piper Aircraft Corporation, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, or may examine these documents at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Priority letter AD 90-01-02 superseded AD 89-25-05, Amendment 39-6397.

This amendment (39-6517, AD 90-01-02) becomes effective on March 1, 1990, as to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 90-01-02 issued on January 5, 1990, which contained this amendment.