EASA AD US-2018-02-05
SUPERSEDED BY FAA AD 2018-07-03
Summary
FAA Airworthiness Directive 2018-02-05 is a final rule addressing certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. models including PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-236, PA-28-201T, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201, and PA-28RT-201T airplanes. The directive requires inspection and, if necessary, replacement of fuel tank selector placards to ensure correct left and right positioning. This AD was issued due to a manufacturer quality control issue resulting in reversed placard installation, which could lead to fuel starvation and engine power loss in flight.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspection of the fuel tank selector covers on affected Piper aircraft to verify correct placement of left and right fuel tank selector placards. If placards are found improperly located, they must be replaced with new, correctly positioned placards. The AD mandates these actions to correct the unsafe condition caused by reversed placard installation.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as improper fuel tank selector placard placement can cause fuel management errors, potentially leading to fuel starvation and engine failure during flight. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. Compliance helps prevent in-flight engine power loss, thereby enhancing flight safety and reducing risk.
What To Do
Operators of the affected Piper aircraft models must inspect the fuel tank selector covers to verify placard positioning by February 7, 2018. If placards are incorrectly installed, they must be replaced with new placards as specified in Piper Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 1309. Comments on the AD were invited until March 9, 2018, but the directive was effective immediately due to safety concerns.
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