97-04-15: Fire Extinguisher Bottle Cartridges

97-04-15 PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC COMPANY, HTL/KIN-TECH DIVISION: Amendment 39-9940. Docket 97-NM-27-AD. Applicability: Fire extinguisher bottle cartridges (squibs) having part numbers (P/N) 13083-10 and -25; as installed in, but not limited to, the following airplane models, certificated in any category: de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes; de Havilland Model DHC-8-100 and -300 series airplanes; General Dynamics Convair Model 340, 440, and C-131 (military) series airplanes modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA41100; Lockheed Model 382 series airplanes; and Sabreliner Model NA-265-60, -65, and -75A series airplanes. NOTE 1: This AD applies to Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridges having P/N's 13083-10 and -25, as installed on any airplane, regardless of whether the airplane has been otherwise 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 (c) 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 the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent electrical shorting of the pins of the fire extinguisher bottle cartridge, which could result in failure of the fire extinguisher bottle to discharge when commanded, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following: (1) Pull the applicable circuit breakers and disconnect the electrical connector from any Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridge (squib) having P/N 13083-10 or 13083-25. CAUTION: Prior to removing the electrical connector from the fire extinguisher bottle cartridge, ensure that the technician is grounded properly. Cartridges are electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive. (2) Perform a one-time visual inspection of the electrical receptacle of the cartridge and its mating connector to detect the presence of aluminum foil in the area of the pins of the cartridge and the connector. The aluminum foil may have the appearance of solder. Remove any aluminum foil that is present. (3) Reinstall the electrical connector, and reset the applicable circuit breakers. NOTE 2: Inspections and removal of foil accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Pacific Scientific Service Letter 97-018.BC, dated January 21, 1997, are considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. (b) As ofthe effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a Pacific Scientific Company, HTL/Kin-Tech Division, fire extinguisher bottle cartridge having P/N 13083-10 or 13083-25, unless the cartridge has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this AD. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. NOTE 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 1997.