AD 98-01-06

98-01-06 PRECISION AIRMOTIVE CORPORATION: Amendment 39-10270. Docket 97-ANE-16. Supersedes AD 93-18-03, Amendment 39-8688.

Applicability: Precision Airmotive Corporation (formerly Facet Aerospace Products Corporation and Marvel-Schebler Corporation) Model MA-3, MA-3A, MA-3PA, MA-3SPA, MA-4SPA carburetors installed on but not limited to Textron Lycoming O-235, O-290, and O-320 series engines, and Teledyne Continental Motors A-65, A-75, C-75, C-85, C-90, C-115, C-125, C-145, O-200, and O-300 series engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, normally aspirated reciprocating engine powered aircraft manufactured by Cessna, Piper, Raytheon, and Mooney.

Note 1: This AD applies to each carburetor identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For carburetors that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent disruption of fuel flow to the engine resulting in failure to attain rated power, power loss in flight, and forced landings, accomplish the following:

(a) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3A, MA-3PA, MA-3SPA, and MA4-SPA carburetors:

(1) If not previously accomplished, prior to further flight, inspect the carburetor to determine if a two-piece venturi is installed. Carburetors that have the letter "V" stamped or etched on the lower portion of the data plate, or that have a black, yellow, or blue data plate showing the Precision Airmotive Corporation name and logo, or that have a black Facet Aerospace Products data plate with a serial number beginning with 750, are already equipped with a one-piece venturi and no further action is necessary provided the engine does not subsequently run rough or experience power loss.

(2) If a two-piece venturi is installed, inspect the carburetor at each annual, 100-hour, or progressive inspection, to determine if the primary venturi is loose or missing. If either of these conditions is found, prior to further flight, repair the carburetor by installing a serviceable two-piece venturi or by installing a one-piece venturi in accordance with Precision Airmotive Service Bulletin (SB) No. MSA-2, Revision 1, dated November 11, 1991, Revision 2, dated December 28, 1993, or Revision 3, dated October 10, 1995. Installing a one-piece venturi constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this paragraph.

(3) If a one-piece venturi is already installed, or installed in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph, and the engine subsequently runs rough or experiences power loss, accomplish either of the following:

(i) Modify the carburetor in accordance with paragraphs (c), (d) or (e) of this AD, as applicable; or

(ii) Install a carburetor containing a two-piece venturi and resume the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.

(b) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3 series carburetors: at the next annual, 100-hour, or progressive inspection, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, inspect the carburetor to determine if the primary venturi is loose or missing. If either of these conditions are found, prior to further flight, repair the carburetor by installing a serviceable two-piece venturi, or replace the entire carburetor with a serviceable carburetor. Repeat this inspection at each annual, 100-hour, or progressive inspection.

(c) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3SPA series carburetors with part numbers (P/N) 10-4894 or 10-4115-1, installed on Teledyne Continental Model O-200A series engines modified on or after the effective date of this AD by installing a one-piece venturi, install a new fuel nozzle in accordance with Precision Airmotive SB MSA-7, dated September 30, 1994, at the time of installation of the one-piece venturi.

(d) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3SPA series carburetors with P/Ns 10-4895, 10-4439, or 10-3237, installed on Teledyne Continental Model O-300 or C-145 series engines modified on or after the effective date of this AD by installing a one-piece venturi, install a new fuel nozzle in accordance with Precision Airmotive SB No. MSA-8, dated July 10, 1995, at the time of installation of the one-piece venturi.

(e) For Precision Airmotive Corporation Model MA-3SPA series carburetors with P/Ns 10-4240, 10-4252, 10-4252-1, or 10-4457, installed on Teledyne Continental Model C-75, C-85, or C-90 series engines modified on or after the effective date of this AD by installing a one-piece venturi, install a new fuel nozzle in accordance with Precision Airmotive SB No. MSA-9, dated October 10, 1995, at the time of installation of the one-piece venturi.

(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office.

(g) Special flight permits may beissued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(h) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following Precision Airmotive Corporation SBs:

DOCUMENT NO. PAGES REVISION DATE MSA-2 Total Pages: 3. 1-3 1 November 11, 1991 MSA-2 Total Pages: 3. 1-3 2 December 28, 1993 MSA-2 Total Pages: 4. 1-4 3 October 10, 1995 MSA-7 Total Pages: 3. 1-3 Original September 30, 1994 MSA-8 Total Pages: 3. 1-3 Original July 10, 1995 MSA-9 Total Pages: 3. 1-3 Original October 10, 1995

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 Precision Airmotive Corporation, 3220 100th Street SW., Building E, Everett, WA 98204; telephone (206) 353-8181, fax (206) 348-3545. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(i) This amendment becomes effective on February 13, 1998.