Applicability: Inflatable door seals, installed either in accordance with the applicable supplemental type certificate (STC) or through field approval.

Effective date: Upon receipt

Compliance: Required as indicated in FAA AD 98-21-21.

98-21-21 BOB FIELDS AEROCESSORIES: Priority Letter issued on October 2, 1998. Docket No. 98-CE-88-AD. Applicability: Inflatable door seals, installed either in accordance with the applicable supplemental type certificate (STC) or through field approval, that are installed on, but not limited to, the following aircraft:

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each aircraft identified in the preceding applicability provision that has affected inflatable door seals installed, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For aircraft 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 (f) 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 prior to further flight after receipt of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent smoke and a possible fire in the cockpit caused by overheating of the electric door seal inflation systems, which could result in passenger injury, accomplish the following:

(a) Deactivate the electric door seal inflation system by accomplishing the following:

(1) Disconnect the battery.

(2) Locate the air pump and identify the power wire to the air pump.

(3) Trace the power wire to its connection to the airplane‘s original electrical power system. Disconnect the power wire at its attachment to the airplane‘s electrical power system and stow wire end.

(4) For non-pressurized airplanes or for airplanes that have an operating manual door seal inflation system, fabricate a placard that incorporates the following words utilizing letters that are at least 0.10-inch in height, and install this placard on the instrument panel within the pilot‘s clear view:

“ELECTRIC DOOR SEAL INFLATION SYSTEM INOPERATIVE”

(5) For pressurized airplanes or for airplanes that do not have an operating manual door seal inflation system, fabricate a placard that incorporates the following words utilizing letters that are at least 0.10-inch in height, and install this placard on the instrument panel within the pilot‘s clear view:

“ELECTRIC DOOR SEAL INFLATION SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. THIS AIRPLANE CAN ONLY BE OPERATED IN UNPRESSURIZED FLIGHT”

(6) Reconnect the battery before returning to service.

(b) Insert a copy of this AD into the Limitations

Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM).

(c) As an alternative method of compliance to the actions of paragraph (a), including all subparagraphs, and paragraph (b) of this AD, remove all provisions of the Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals, and install original equipment manufacturer door seals or an FAA-approved equivalent that is of different design than the referenced Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals.

(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any aircraft, Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals either in accordance with the applicable STC or through field approval.

(e) 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 provided the following are adhered to, as applicable:

(1) Locate and remove the in-line fuse for the electric door seal inflation system; or

(2) Pull the system circuit breaker for the electric door seal inflation system; and

(3) For pressurized airplanes or for airplanes that do not have an operating manual door seal inflation system, operate the airplane in unpressurized flight only.

(f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

(g) Information related to this AD may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12^th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(h) Priority Letter AD 98-21-21, October 2, 1998, becomes effective immediately upon receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Paul S. Wells, Jr., Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone: (562) 627-5354; facsimile: (562) 627-5210.