# Proposed AD FAA-2016-9550: Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2017-10-20
- Products: Piper
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: January 3, 2017, 82 FR 48
- Comments due: February 17, 2017
- Became: [AD 2017-10-20](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2017-10-20)
- Docket: FAA-2016-9550 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2016-9550, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2016-CE-026-AD
- FR document: 2016-30716
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/0f/65/0f65e55bca51f9bd98d864e2ceefb033338a6ab61a3fd1916892a700a6fea656 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-01-03/pdf/2016-30716.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/03/2016-30716/airworthiness-directives-piper-aircraft-inc-airplanes
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/3FA1A63C807166FF8625809D005513D7.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2016-9550

## Summary

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fatigue cracking in the fuselage station (FS) 332.00 bulkhead common to the horizontal stabilizer front spar attachment. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the bulkhead and any necessary repairs. This proposed AD also provides an optional modification if no cracks are found that will greatly reduce the likelihood of the specified cracks. We are issuing this proposed AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Jan 3, 2017: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2016-30716, comments due Feb 17, 2017 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/03/2016-30716/airworthiness-directives-piper-aircraft-inc-airplanes)

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