George L. Smith

The proposed AD clarifies the need for the BC models being called out but it does not clear up the question on the Merlin III series that have nose mounted batteries. This applies to the Merlin IIIA/B (SA226 series), IIIC, and 300 (SA227 series). Reference page 7009 number 3. It notes Inspect electrical wires. The formentioned models have the generator wiring running in the wing leading edge and are near bleed air lines and hydraulic lines. This confusion in the field has some saying sense the AD does not call out by serial number the forementioned models there is no inspection required. Granted the batteries are in the nose but this AD noted not only the battery wiring but electrical wiring. So does it or does it not apply to the nose mounted models? Also the models that have the nose mounted batteries have some of the same problems of not covering the wiring on the large gauge wiring in the nose mounted batteries and start control panel. The FAA may not have on file any reports of nose battery fires on these models but shorts and so on have occured. Just a point can we make it clear either the AD does not apply to the Merlin series with the nose mounted batteries or it does apply for the wing leading edge wiring? This covers 157 serial numbers in this series of nose mounted planes. Clarification would be greatly helpful as would the consideration for looking at the nose mounted wiring for similar problems noted in the wing mounted battery area. Thank you for time.