Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15405 · Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Models 17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC Airplanes

AD 2008-05-11

Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Models 17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, 17-31A, and 17-31ATC Airplanes

Mentions a repeat actionAirplane

Published: March 4, 2008
Effective: April 8, 2008
Maker: Alexandria Aircraft, LLC
Supersedes: 76-23-03 R1

Applies to

This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:

Model	Serial Nos.
17-30	All serial numbers.
17-30A	30263 through 301030.
17-31	All serial numbers.
17-31A	All serial numbers.
17-31ATC	All serial numbers.

The FAA's summary

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD 76-23-03 R1, which applies to certain Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Models 17-30, 17-31, 17-30A, and 17-31A airplanes. AD 76-23-03 R1 currently requires you to inspect the muffler and tailpipe assemblies for cracks and inspect the exhaust assembly for freedom of movement at the ball joints. Since we issued AD 76-23-03-R1, we have received additional reports of in-flight exhaust system failures. Consequently, this AD reduces the exhaust system inspection interval; requires a more detailed inspection of the muffler; and requires replacement, reconditioning, or repair of the exhaust system if cracks or defects are found. This AD also requires P-lead rerouting. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the exhaust system, which could result in heat damage to magneto electrical wiring and smoke in the cockpit. This failure could lead to loss of engine power and/or a fire in the engine compartment.

What it requires

Compliance

To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:

Actions	Compliance	Procedures
(1) For aircraft models and serial numbers listed below, inspect the exhaust system for cracks or other defects such as excessive wear: (i) Model 17-30, all serial numbers; (ii) Model 17-30A, serial numbers 30263 through 301030; (iii) Model 17-31, all serial numbers; and (iv) Model 17-31A, all serial numbers.	Initially within the next 12 months after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) or within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. Then repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months or 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. Accomplishment of the actions in paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (e)(2)(ii) of this AD terminates the recurring inspections required in this paragraph for the replaced/reconditioned exhaust system (left and/or right side).	Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007.
(2) Repair or replace the exhaust system using any of the opti ons listed below: (i) Option #1—replace the entire defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) with new parts as specified in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007; (ii) Option #2—replace the entire defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) with parts reconditioned to the new parts as specified in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007; or (iii) Option #3—recondition or repair the defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) to their original configuration using FAA-approved methods and materials.	Before further flight after any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD where a crack or other defect is found. The actions in paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (e)(2)(ii) of this AD terminate the recurring inspections required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD for the replaced/reconditioned exhaust system (left and/or right side).	Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007.
(3) For aircraft models and serial numbers listed below that do not have Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Kit 1067: Rerouting Right Magneto “P” Lead installed, reroute the magneto “P” leads: (i) Model 17-30A, serial numbers 30263 through 30998; (ii) Model 17-31A, all serial numbers; and (iii) Model 17-31ATC, all serial numbers.	Within the next 12 months after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) or within 100 hours TIS after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first.	Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Kit 1072 instructions located on drawing SK 1072, dated April 2, 2007, as referenced in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007.

Official sources

The Federal Register document · document E8-3899, the legal text
FAA Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) · search 2008-05-11 for its current status and any corrections

Model

Serial Nos.

17-30

All serial numbers.

17-30A

30263 through 301030.

17-31

All serial numbers.

17-31A

All serial numbers.

17-31ATC

All serial numbers.

Actions

Compliance

Procedures

(1) For aircraft models and serial numbers listed below, inspect the exhaust system for cracks or other defects such as excessive wear: (i) Model 17-30, all serial numbers; (ii) Model 17-30A, serial numbers 30263 through 301030; (iii) Model 17-31, all serial numbers; and (iv) Model 17-31A, all serial numbers.

Initially within the next 12 months after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) or within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. Then repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months or 50 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. Accomplishment of the actions in paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (e)(2)(ii) of this AD terminates the recurring inspections required in this paragraph for the replaced/reconditioned exhaust system (left and/or right side).

Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007.

(2) Repair or replace the exhaust system using any of the opti ons listed below: (i) Option #1—replace the entire defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) with new parts as specified in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007; (ii) Option #2—replace the entire defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) with parts reconditioned to the new parts as specified in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007; or (iii) Option #3—recondition or repair the defective left and/or right muffler and tailpipe assembly(ies) to their original configuration using FAA-approved methods and materials.

Before further flight after any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD where a crack or other defect is found. The actions in paragraph (e)(2)(i) or (e)(2)(ii) of this AD terminate the recurring inspections required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD for the replaced/reconditioned exhaust system (left and/or right side).

Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007.

(3) For aircraft models and serial numbers listed below that do not have Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Kit 1067: Rerouting Right Magneto “P” Lead installed, reroute the magneto “P” leads: (i) Model 17-30A, serial numbers 30263 through 30998; (ii) Model 17-31A, all serial numbers; and (iii) Model 17-31ATC, all serial numbers.

Within the next 12 months after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) or within 100 hours TIS after April 8, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first.

Follow Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Kit 1072 instructions located on drawing SK 1072, dated April 2, 2007, as referenced in Bellanca/Alexandria Aircraft, LLC Service Letter B-110, dated May 8, 2007.