AD 92-13-06

92-13-06 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-8276. Docket No. 91-CE-89-AD.

Applicability: The following model airplanes, certificated in any category:

Models Serial Numbers PA-46-310P 46-8408001 through 46-8608067 and 4608001 through 4608140 PA-46-350P 4622001 through 4622117

Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent sudden pitch change related to a jammed trim tab, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Visually inspect the elevator trim cable guide tube for severance. Severance is defined as any cut, break, or division of the elevator trim cable guide tube (generally performed to gain access to the trim cable turnbuckles).

(b) If severance is found, prior to further flight, splice the elevator trim cable guide tube and install an external sleeve in accordance with the instructions in Elevator Trim Cable Guide Tube Splice Kit, Piper Part Number 766-272.

NOTE 1: Revised maintenance procedures on gaining access to the trim cable turnbuckles may be obtained from the manufacturer at the address specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1669 Phoenix Parkway, Suite 210C, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained fromthe Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

(e) The possible modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Elevator Trim Cable Guide Tube Splice Kit, Piper Part Number 766-272, which is referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 953, dated October 29, 1991. 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 Piper Aircraft Corporation, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. 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; Room 8401, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 21, 1992.