Piper Malibu PA-46-310P Pilot Operating Handbook page 503

SERVICE BULLETIN N0.1258 PAGE2of6
Part I: Operators are allowed one flight to reach an approved repair facility capable of performing the fuel vent valve
inspection and modification/replacement mandated by this service bulletin. This flight may include fueling stops, but
shall not exceed 1
o
hours of operation.
Part II: If required as a result of the findings in Part I, Part II is to be accomplished prior to any additional aircraft
operation.
Part Ill: If required as a result of the findings in Part I, Part Ill is to be accomplished within the next ninety (90)
calendar days.
NQIE: Accomplishing Part II or Part Ill may not be required based on the findings in Part I. However if fuel
vent valve modification is required, operators may opt to comply with Part Ill, subject to the availability
of parts, within the time interval for Part
11,
as stated in the COMPLIANCE TIME section of this service
bulletin.
APPROVAL: The engineering aspects of this service document have been shown to comply
with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and are FAA approved.
PURPOSE: Piper has been notified that the manufacturer of fuel vent valves used in the
affected airplanes has changed the material formulation from the original design
fluorosilicone polymer, colored orange, hereinafter referred to as "orange fuel vent
valve," to a nitrile butadiene rubber, colored black, hereinafter referred to as "black
fuel vent valve." As currently installed on the airplane, the black fuel vent vc:tlves
may not provide the proper ventilation performance at all operating temperatures.
This condition, left uncorrected, may result in structural damage to the wing,
especially during a rapid descent. Possible structural damage could include loss
of limit load capability, and/or loss of control of the aircraft.
Part I of this Service Bulletin provides instructions for identifying the type of fuel
vent valves that are installed in the affected airplanes.
If required a$ a re~n,Jlt of the inspection in Part I, Part II of this Service Bulletin
provides instructions to accomplish a temporary modjfication, which will allow
continued operation of the aircraft, subject to additional operating limitations.
If required as a result of the inspection in Part I, Part Ill of this Service Bulletin
provides instructions to accomplish a permanent modification, which will allow
continued operation of the aircraft without-any additional operating limitations.