AD NUMBER: 2007-06-16
MANUFACTURER: Alpha Aviation Design
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2007-06-16
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product.

The MCAI references Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA-SB-28-002, dated June 28, 2006, which describes the unsafe condition as: Development of the New Zealand produced Alpha 160A aircraft identified an issue with the fuel shut-off valve, where it may not be possible to switch the valve ON once the valve has been placed in the OFF position. This is due to friction in the shut-off system.

The fuel shut-off valve, which is normally ON, is a safety feature to allow the pilot to stop fuel flow to the engine in an emergency situation such as a forced landing without power. The fuel shut-off control is guarded and requires a deliberate action by the pilot to operate.

Not withstanding this, a hazardous situation is possible if the fuel shut-off valve is inadvertently switched OFF in flight and the pilot is not able to switch it back ON.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/airworthiness_directives/