2002-11-07: Electroluminescent panel retaining screw.

2002-11-07 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-12768; Docket No. 2001-CE-43-AD. (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category: Model Serial Nos. E55 and E55A TE-768 through TE-1201. A56TC TG-84 through TG-94. 58 and 58A TH-1 through TH-1388 and TH-1390 through TH-1395. 58P and 58PA TJ-3 through TJ-435 and TJ-437 through TJ-443. 58TC and 58TCA TK-1 through TK-146 and TK-148 through TK-150. (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD. (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent damage to the rotating beacon circuit breaker switch or any other switch in the same location because of an incorrect length electroluminescent panel retaining screw. This condition could result in failure of the circuit breaker and lead to smoke and/or fire in the cockpit. (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following, unless already accomplished: Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Inspect the Instrument Subpanel electroluminescent panel for the installation of a rotating beacon circuit breaker switch or any other switch directly above the lower electroluminescent panel retaining screw. (i) If a blanking plug is installed above the lower electroluminescent panel retaining screw, ensure that the correct length screw is installed. The correct length is 0.28 to 0.31 inches (ii) If the screw is not the correct length, install part number (P/N) MS35214-24 or FAA-approved equivalent part number (iii) If a rotating beacon circuit breaker switch or any other switch is installed, inspect the switch for damage. Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 15, 2002 (the effective date of this AD). In accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 33-3452, Issued: May, 2001. (2) Replace any damaged switch found during the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this AD and replace the electroluminescent panel retaining screw if it is not 0.28 to 0.31 inches in length with a P/N MS35214-24 screw or FAA-approved equivalent part number. Prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this AD. In accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section of Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 33-3452, Issued: May, 2001. (3) Do not install any electroluminescent panel retaining screw in the lower part of the Instrument Subpanel (underneath the circuit breaker switches) that is not P/N MS35214-24 or FAA-approved equivalent part number. As of July 15, 2002 (the effective date of this AD). Not applicable. (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if: (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and (2) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO. Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it. (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? Contact Todd Dixon, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4152; facsimile: (316) 946-4407. (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD. (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 33-3452, Issued: May, 2001. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1CFR part 51. You may get copies from Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. You may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on July 15, 2002.