Summary
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA-31T and PA- 31T1 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires correcting a model identification error on the aircraft data plate. Since we issued that AD, we have become aware that some owner/operators of the affected airplanes modified the aircraft data plate in error because of confusion in the serial number applicability. Because of the confusion, the manufacturer has issued new service information to clarify affected airplane serial numbers. This proposed AD would require determining the airplane model based on the serial number and modifying the aircraft data plate to properly identify the airplane model. This proposed AD would also require doing a detailed search for all applicable airworthiness related documents that apply to any airplane that has an incorrectly marked data plate and take necessary corrective actions based on the search findings. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.