AD 92-08-15

92-08-15 MOONEY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-8266. Final copy of priority letter. Docket No. 92-CE-29-AD.

Applicability: Model M20J airplanes, serial numbers 24-3201, 24-3218 through 24-3238, 24-3240 through 24-3250, and 24-3252 through 24-3256, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent rudder imbalance, which could lead to aerodynamic problems and loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following:

(1) Fabricate a placard with the words "Maximum Gross Weight Reduced to 2,740 Pounds." Install this placard on the airplane instrument panel within the pilot's clear view.

(2) Insert a copy of this AD into the limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual and operate the airplane accordingly.

(b) Within the next 15 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the airplane to ensure that the rudder static balance is within the required limits in accordance with paragraphs 1. through 3. of the INSTRUCTIONS section of Mooney Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin (SB) M20-252, dated April 6, 1992.

(c) If the rudder static balance falls outside the limits specified in Mooney Aircraft Corporation SB M20-252, prior to further flight, adjust the rudder balance weight in accordance with paragraphs 4. through 7. of the INSTRUCTIONS section of Mooney Aircraft Corporation SB M20-252, dated April 6, 1992.

(d) The placard and Airplane Flight Manual limitation required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD are no longer required after compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD as applicable.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Airplane Certification Office, FAA, 4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office.

(f) The inspection and possible modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Mooney Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin M20-252, dated April 6, 1992. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from the Mooney Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 72, Kerrville, Texas 78029-0072. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street, NW; Room8401, Washington, DC.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on June 30, 1992, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 92-08-15, issued April 9, 1992, which contained the requirements of this amendment.