2021-04-07: VACUUM SYSTEM

The Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2021-04-07 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-21428; Docket No. FAA- 2020-0830; Project Identifier 2020-CE-002-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2021. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\t(c) This AD applies to the following Piper Aircraft, Inc., airplanes, certificated in any category: \n\t(1) Model PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage) airplanes, serial numbers (S/Ns) 4622041, 4636041, 4636142, 4636143, 4636313, 4636341, and 4636379; \n\t(2) Model PA-46-500TP (Malibu Meridian) airplanes, S/Ns 4697141,4697161, 4697086, and 4697020; and \n\t(3) Models PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage), PA-46R-350T (Malibu Matrix), and PA-46-500TP (Malibu Meridian) airplanes, all serial numbers, if the left wing has been replaced with a serviceable (more than zero hours time-in-service) wing. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 3700, VACUUM SYSTEM. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by nonconforming stall warning heat control systems, utilizing a left wing assembly without the proper stall warning modification design. Without the proper stall warning heat control modification kit during flights into icing conditions with the landing gear down, ice can form on the stall vane, which may result in failure of the stall warning system. The FAA is issuing this AD to identify and correct nonconforming stall warning heat control systems. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the pilot being unaware of an approaching stall situation. \n\n(f) ComplianceComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Actions \n\n\n\t(1) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the configuration of stall warning heat control system and, if required, install stall warning heat control modification kit part number (P/N) 8452-002 before further flight in accordance with steps 2 and 3 of the Instructions in Piper Aircraft, Inc., Service Letter No. 1261, dated July 19, 2019. \n\t(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a wing on any Model PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage), PA-46R-350T (Malibu Matrix), or PA-46-500TP (Malibu Meridian) airplane unless you have determined that the wing has the correct stall warning heat control system as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. \n\n(h) Special Flight Permit \n\n\n\tA special flight permit may be issued to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished provided flight into known icing conditions is prohibited. \n\n(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. \n\t(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. \n\t(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by a Piper Aircraft, Inc. Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Atlanta ACO Branch to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. \n\t(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. \n\t(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. \n\n(j) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, contact John Lee, AviationSafety Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (404) 474-5568; email: john.lee@faa.gov. \n\n(k) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Piper Service Letter No. 1261, dated July 19, 2019. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For Piper Aircraft, Inc. service information identified in this AD, contact Piper Aircraft Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32960; phone: 772-299-2686; email: customerservice@piper.com; website: https://www.piper.com/. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability ofthis material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148. \n\t(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on February 4, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2021-03499 Filed 2-22-21; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P