SAIB CE-04-69

SPECIAL

AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION

BULLETIN

Aircraft Certification Service Washington, DC

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

CE-04-69 June 9, 2004 www.faa.gov/certification/aircraft This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin alerts you, registered owners and operators of Univair Aircraft Corp. models (Forney) F-1A, (Alon) A-2, A2-A, and (Mooney) M10 aircraft, of the need to incorporate changes to the aircraft’s fuel system.

Background

We have received safety information from the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Chapter Advisory Council stating that air can be trapped in the aircraft’s fuel system between the header tank fuel shutoff valve and the engine’s gascolator. Shortly after starting the aircraft, and most likely during high power settings, this air can migrate to the engine. This condition could result in a degradation or loss of thrust. The FAA conducted a review of this potential failure scenario and considered options including: issuing an Airworthiness Directive (AD), various forms of notices, or no further action required.

NOTE: We have issued ADs against these airplanes concerning other safety issues, including corrosion in and around the gascolator.

Recommendation

Alon Service Bulletin (SB) Number A-19, “Carburetor and Fuel System Modifications”, isn’t considered appropriate for AD action at this time. However, we agree with the manufacturer and highly recommend that you follow the information described in the SB.

For Copies of the SB, Contact

Univair Aircraft Corporation 2500 Himalaya Road Aurora, CO 80011-8156 phone: (303) 375-8882 fax: (800) 457-7811 or (303) 375-8888

For Further Information Contact

Barry Ballenger, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Continued Operational Safety Branch (ACE-113), Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust Street, Room 301, Kansas City, MO, 64106; phone: (816) 329-4152;

fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: barry.ballenger@faa.gov