Summary
This document proposes to revise an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) that would have required installing external fuel ramp assemblies on The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Models PA-23 (PA-23-150), PA-23-160, PA-23-235, and PA-23-250 airplanes, and incorporating pilots' operating handbook (POH) revisions for Piper Models PA-23 (PA-23-150), and PA-23-160 airplanes. That proposed AD would have superseded AD 92-13-04, which currently requires preflight draining procedures on Piper Models PA-23 (PA-23-150) and PA- 23-160 airplanes. The proposed AD was the result of reports of water- in-the-fuel on the affected airplanes, even on those where the airplane owners/operators had accomplished preflight draining procedures. The actions specified in the proposed AD are intended to assist in eliminating water in the fuel tanks, which could result in rough engine operation or complete loss of engine power. Comments received on the proposal specify an additional alternative to the proposed AD, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that this alternative should be added to the proposal. Based upon these comments on the original proposal and the amount of time that has elapsed since issuance of this proposal, the FAA has determined that the comment period for the proposal should be reopened and the public should have additional time to comment.