Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18196 · Cabin pressure control system
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
This AD applies to the following Piper Aircraft, Inc. airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in table 1 of paragraph (c) of this AD:
| Model | Serial No. |
|---|---|
| PA-46-350P | 4636652 through 4636662. |
| PA-46-500TP | 4697549, 4697569, 4697582 through 4697591, 4697593 through 4697595, 4697597, and 4697598. |
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-46-350P and PA-46-500TP airplanes. This AD requires installing cable ties around the cabin altitude encoder and the supporting structure, adding thread-locking compound to the threads of the existing single fastener; and repetitively inspecting the cable ties and the fastener to ensure security and proper condition. This AD was prompted by a report that a cabin altitude encoder came free from its mounting bracket, which interfered with motion of the elevator flight control. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Comply with this AD as specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, unless already done.
Do one of the following in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD:
(1) Before further flight after July 13, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), modify the encoder mounting installation by installing two cable ties and adding thread-locking compound to the knurled holddown nut. Do the modification following Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1283, dated June 12, 2015.
(2) Before each flight after July 13, 2015 (the effective date of this AD) do a pre-flight security check by grasping the knurled holddown nut with a bare hand and verifying that the nut is tight and secure. Within the next 10 hours time-in-service after July 13, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), you must do the modification required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(i) The pre-flight security check required in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i): Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1283, dated June 12, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in this AD, includes pictures for accessing and locating the cabin altitude encoder and can be used as guidance for performing this preflight check. See paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) for the availability of this service information.
(ii) The pre-flight security check required in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD is no longer necessary after the modification required by either paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
Within 50 hours TIS after doing the modification required in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD and repetitively thereafter not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the encoder mounting installation to verify the proper condition and security of the cable ties and the security of the knurled holddown nut. Do the inspection following Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1283, dated June 12, 2015.
(1) If the cable ties are found to not be properly secure or are not in proper condition during the inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, replace with new cable ties following Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1283, dated June 12, 2015.
(2) If the knurled holddown nut is found to not be properly secure during the inspection required in paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, apply thread-locking compound following Part I of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1283, dated June 12, 2015.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
