AD 93-05-10

93-05-10 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-8514; Docket No. 92- CE-37-AD.

Applicability: The following model and serial number airplanes, certificated in any category:

Model Serial Numbers PA-32R-300 32R-7680001 through 32R-7880068 PA-32RT-300 32R-7885001 through 32R-7985105 PA-32RT-300T 32R-7887001 through 32R-7987126 PA-32R-301 32R-8013001 through 32R-8613005 and 3213001 through 3213037 PA-32R-301T 32R-8029001 through 32R-8629006 and 3229001 through 3229003

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

NOTE 1: The compliance times referenced in this AD take precedence over those cited in the referenced service information.

To prevent the inability to retract or extend the nose landing gear, which could result in substantial damage to or loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Inspect the engine mount as specified in and in accordance with the INSTRUCTIONS: PART I section of Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 955, dated March 3, 1992. Prior to further flight, repair any cracks in accordance with Piper SB No. 955.

(b) Modify the airframe structure and strengthen the landing gear and engine mount attach areas in accordance with the instructions contained in either Engine Mount Drag Link Installation Kit, Piper Part No. 766-252 (for turbocharged models); or Engine Mount Drag Link Installation Kit, Piper Part No. 766-253 (for normally aspirated models). These kits are referenced in Piper SB No. 955, dated March 3, 1992.

(c) Inspect the nose gear actuator attachment bracket for correct rivet dimensions in accordance with the INSTRUCTIONS: PART III section of Piper SB No. 955, dated March 3, 1992. If any rivets are found that are not of the dimensions referenced in Piper SB No. 955, prior to further flight, reinforce the nose gear actuator attachment bracket in accordance with the referenced service information.

(d) If the parts that are required to accomplish the modification specified in paragraph (b) of this AD have been ordered, but are not available from the manufacturer, reinspect the engine mount as required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS until parts become available.

(e) 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.

(f) 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 shall 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 from the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office.

(g) The inspections required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 955, dated March 3, 1992. The modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the instructions to Engine Mount Drag Link Installation Kit, Piper Part No. 766-252 (for turbocharged models); or Engine Mount Drag Link Installation Kit, Piper Part No. 766-253 (for normally aspirated models), which are referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 955. 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, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on April 30, 1993.