AD 99-05-09

Discussion The FAA has received reports of deterioration, cracking, splitting, and crumbling (referred hereon as damage) of certain Purolator/Facet induction air filters, Purolator part number (P/N) 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-2), that are installed on certain Piper PA-23, PA-24, PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 series airplanes. Purolator utilized an incorrect curing time in the manufacturing process of the plastisol used in the induction air filters from January 1997 through September 1998. This incorrect curing time makes the induction air filters susceptible to the damage described above.

This condition, if not corrected in a timely manner, could result in engine ingestion of pieces of a damaged induction air filter with possible reduced or loss of engine power.

Relevant Service Information Piper has issued Service Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22, 1998, which specifies procedures for inspecting to determine if one ofthe defective induction air filters is installed. This service bulletin also includes (referenced as ATTACHMENT "A") Purolator Service Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated September 16, 1998, which specifies removing, inspecting, and replacing any defective induction air filter.

The FAA's Determination After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, including the relevant service information, the FAA has determined that AD action should be taken to prevent pieces of a damaged induction air filter from being ingested into the engine, which could result in reduced or loss of engine power.

Explanation of the Provisions of the AD Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in other Piper PA-23, PA-24, PA-28, PA-32, and PA-34 series airplanes of the same type design, the FAA is issuing an AD. The FAA requires replacing any Purolator/Facet induction air filter, Purolator P/N 638873, Model No. CA161PL, Piper P/N 460-632 (PS60007-2), that:

- Was manufactured anytime from January 1997 through September 1998; and

- Is identified with a .250 (1/4)-inch high (white) ink stamp "FACET - 638873", and may include "FAA-PMA".

Accomplishment of the replacement is required in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 1022, dated September 22, 1998, and Purolator Service Bulletin No.: SB090298.01, dated September 16, 1998.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD Since a situation exists (possible reduced or loss of engine power) that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for public prior comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and,thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket forexamination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 98-CE-110-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: