AD/PA-46/33 Oxygen Generator 11/2004, DM

Applicability: Model PA-46-500TP aeroplanes, serial numbers 4697001 through 4697163.

Requirement:

1. Unless already accomplished, perform the following inspections on any oxygen
   generator part number (P/N) 471-025, in accordance with The New Piper
   Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No. 1140, dated 16 September 2003, and the
   aeroplane maintenance manual (Chapter 35-20-00 refers):
   
   a. The percussion cap for the presence of any protective cover; and
   
   b. The end of the trigger mechanism pin for the presence of any silicon tube.
   
2. Remove any percussion cap protective covers or trigger mechanism silicon tubes
   found during the Requirement 1 inspections.

Note: FAA AD 2004-15-19 Amdt 39-13753 refers.

Compliance:

For Requirement 1 - Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this Directive or within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first.

For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspections.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 September 2004.

Background: The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of protective covers installed over the percussion cap or a silicon tube installed over the end of the trigger mechanism pin, on the oxygen generator, rendering the emergency oxygen system inoperative. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the crew or passengers not being able to get oxygen in an emergency situation. This Directive requires an inspection to detect any protective cover over the percussion cap or any silicon tube over the end of the trigger mechanism pin together with their removal, if necessary.

FMI: http://casa.gov.au/avreg/aircraft/ad/ADfiles/Under/PA-46/PA-46-033.pdf