SERVICE 1363 NO.

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

2926 Piper Drive
BULLETIN
Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A. 32960
PIPER CONSIDERS
COMPLIANCE MANDATORY
Date: November 13, 2020 (S)(M)

SUBJECT: RIVET DIMPLE INSPECTION FOR TOOL MARKS

MODELS AFFECTED: SERIAL NUMBERS AFFECTED:

PA-28-181 Archer III 2881282 through 2881416
PA-44-180 Seminole 4496495 through 4496511

COMPLIANCE TIME: To coincide with the next regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to
exceed the next 100 hours time in service.

APPROVAL: The engineering aspects of this service document have been shown to comply
with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and are FAA approved.

PURPOSE: Some anvils used on a specific automatic punch riveter have developed cracks in
their surface. On the affected aircraft, these anvil surface cracks may have created
impressions resembling cracks on some stringers and doublers.
This service bulletin mandates the visual inspection of specified wing and aft
fuselage stringers and doublers for the described impressions, on or near the
dimple areas surrounding the rivets. If these impressions are discovered, the
surface is to be reworked and then inspected using a dye penetrant procedure.

INSTRUCTIONS:

NOTE: The temporary removal of some components and access panels may be required to accomplish the
instructions in this service bulletin.
NOTE: Perform the instructions described in this service bulletin using a bright flashlight (or other suitable
light source) and a mirror.
1. Gain access to the inspection areas in the left and right side wing and the aft fuselage:
a. Remove access panels, as necessary.
b. Remove both wing tips in accordance with Section 57-20-00 of the applicable Piper Airplane Maintenance
Manual (AMM).
c. On PA-28-181 Archer III models only: if necessary, remove the fuel tank in accordance with Section
28-10-00 of the applicable Piper AMM.
2. Visually inspect the stringer and doubler installations identified in Figures 1 and 2 for the presence of the
manufacturing marks (or, impressions) that are shown in Figure 3, Details A and B.
a. If no such impressions are discovered, then no further action is required. Proceed to Step 4.

ATA/JASC: 5700, 5300

(OVER)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 2 of 10

b. The impressions shown in Detail B are considered unacceptable. If similar impressions with a crack-like
appearance and/or sharp edges are present, then they must be reworked as follows:
NOTE: Impressions such as those shown in Detail A are acceptable, and do not require further action.
1) If necessary, to gain access for rework of stringers on PA-28-181 Archer III models only: remove the
fuel tank in accordance with Section 28-10-00 of the applicable Piper AMM.
2) At each discrepant fastener installation, remove the existing primer and any sharp or peaked edges.
Use K Tool International KTI (KTI-70550) sanding pen tool or equivalent; alternatively, a Scotch-Brite
scouring pad or equivalent product may be used.
NOTE: Remove no more than 0.001–0.002 inch of material to avoid excessive reduction in material
cross section.
NOTE: Visual impressions may still be present in the material after rework. These impressions
are acceptable, provided that no sharp edges or crack-like indications are detected, as
described in Step 3), below.
3) Inspect for cracks using liquid penetrant or fluorescent penetrant inspection techniques.
NOTE: It is permissible to rework discrepant fastener installations as required, per Step 2), above,
to reduce crack impressions, so long as no more than 0.002 inch of material is removed.
a) If no cracks indications are detected, then no further rework is required. Proceed to Step 3
(application of primer and corrosion preventative).
b) If crack indications are detected, contact Piper Customer Service for additional evaluation and
rework instructions, at (+1) 772-299-2141 or [email protected]. Piper’s normal
business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern).
3. If no crack indications in the aircraft surface are detected, then, at each reworked rivet installation location,
restore corrosion protection. Apply epoxy primer, such as MIL-PRF-85582D Type I Class C2 primer or any
primer conforming to MIL-PRF-23377, or TT-P-1757B Type 2 Class N primer. Apply per manufacturer’s
instructions. Alternatively, any of the primers listed in Table 1 may be used.
4. Reinstall all components and/or access panels that may have been removed or disturbed during this inspection/
rework.
NOTE: Perform a functional test on any systems that were disturbed.
5. Complete a logbook entry documenting compliance with this service bulletin.

TABLE 1
ACCEPTABLE EPOXY PRIMERS
Piper Part Number Vendor Product Name Vendor Product Number
170-748 PPG Aerospace
EWDE072A/B
(was 279-179) PRC-DeSoto
AkzoNobel Aerospace
279-506 10P8-10NF / EC-283
Coatings
AkzoNobel Aerospace
279-108 10P30-5 / EC-275
Coatings

N/A Deft, Inc. 44GN036

279-240 Axalta (formerly DuPont) Axalta Epoxy 13550S

SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 3 of 10

DETAIL C AIRCRAFT SKIN

FWD
TOP SURFACE MAIN SPAR (REF.)
OUTBD

DOUBLER
ACCESS PANEL INSPECTION
STRINGER
INSPECTION
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A WS
106.190 NOTE: Only where it provides greater clarity, yellow highlighting
ACCESS PANEL DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B identifies rivet locations that are to be inspected. Otherwise,
parts that are blue are to be inspected entirely.

PA-28-181 WING
LOWER SURFACE – LOOKING UP
LEFT WING SHOWN (RIGHT WING OPPOSITE)

MAIN SPAR (REF.) FUEL TANK DETAIL D

FWD
AIRCRAFT SKIN
OUTBD TOP SURFACE

STRINGER
INSPECTION
DOUBLER
WING TIP (LOWER SURFACE)
STRINGER ACCESS PANEL
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A INSPECTION (LOWER SURFACE)
ACCESS PANEL
(LOWER SURFACE)
WS
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B ACCESS PANEL
(LOWER SURFACE)
140.090

PA-28-181 WING
UPPER SURFACE – LOOKING DOWN
LEFT WING SHOWN (RIGHT WING OPPOSITE)

Figure 1 – Sheet 1 of 3
PA-28-181 Rivet Dimple Inspection Locations
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 4 of 10

DETAIL D
WING SKIN DOUBLER

INBD

FWD

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A
INSPECTION
AREAS (8)
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B

INSPECTION
AREA

DETAIL C
WING WALK RIVETS – LOOKING UP
ROTATED 180 DEGREES

NOTE: Only where it provides greater clarity, yellow highlighting

identifies rivet locations that are to be inspected. Otherwise,
parts that are blue are to be inspected entirely.

Figure 1 – Sheet 2 of 3
PA-28-181 Rivet Dimple Inspection Locations
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 5 of 10

STRINGER
INSPECTIONS UP
FWD

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B
FS
228.30
PA-28-181 AFT FUSELAGE
LOOKING OUTBOARD
RIGHT SIDE SHOWN (LEFT SIDE OPPOSITE)

DOUBLER STRINGER
INSPECTION INSPECTION
(See Note) (See Note)
FWD

BL
0.00

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A FS
228.30

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B
NOTE: On aircraft with an air conditioner installed, the
applicable stringer is shorter and there is no doubler.

PA-28-181 AFT FUSELAGE

BOTTOM – LOOKING DOWN

Figure 1 – Sheet 3 of 3
PA-28-181 Rivet Dimple Inspection Locations
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 6 of 10

DETAIL E FWD

OUTBD
STRINGER
INSPECTIONS
(ALL IN BLUE)

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B
WS
106.190

PA-44-180 WING
LOWER SURFACE – LOOKING UP
LEFT WING SHOWN (RIGHT WING OPPOSITE)

WHEEL WELL PAN AIRCRAFT SKIN

FWD
INSPECTION TOP SURFACE
STRINGER
OUTBD INSPECTIONS
(ALL IN BLUE)
ACCESS PANELS
ARE ALL ON LOWER
WING SURFACE

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B
WS WS
140.090 49.250

PA-44-180 WING
UPPER SURFACE – LOOKING DOWN
LEFT WING SHOWN (RIGHT WING OPPOSITE)

Figure 2 – Sheet 1 of 3
PA-44-180 Rivet Dimple Inspection Locations
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 7 of 10

INBD

FWD

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B

INSPECTION
AREAS (9)

NOTE: Only where it provides greater clarity, yellow highlighting

identifies rivet locations that are to be inspected. Otherwise,
parts that are blue are to be inspected entirely.

Figure DETAIL E 2 of 3
2 – Sheet
PA-44-180
WING Rivet
WALKDimple
RIVETSInspection
– LOOKING Locations
UP
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 8 of 10

STRINGER
INSPECTIONS UP
FWD

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A
FS
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B 247.125

PA-44-180 AFT FUSELAGE

LOOKING OUTBOARD
RIGHT SIDE SHOWN (LEFT SIDE OPPOSITE)

STRINGER DOUBLER
INSPECTIONS INSPECTION

FWD

BL
0.00

DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
A FS
219.026

FS
DETAIL
(Fig. 3)
B
191.00

PA-44-180 AFT FUSELAGE

BOTTOM – LOOKING DOWN

Figure 2 – Sheet 3 of 3
PA-44-180 Rivet Dimple Inspection Locations
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 9 of 10

STRINGER EDGE
IMPRESSION
OF TOOL MARK

STRINGER EDGE

STRINGER BULB

IMPRESSION
OF TOOL MARK
IMPRESSION
OF TOOL MARK
STRINGER BULB

DETAIL A DETAIL B
ACCEPTABLE RIVET DIMPLE (TYPICAL) REQUIRES REWORK – RIVET DIMPLE (TYPICAL)

IMPRESSIONS OF TOOL MARK MAY STILL STRINGER EDGE

SHOW. DYE PENETRANT INSPECTION WILL
DETERMINE IF CONDITION IS ACCEPTABLE.

REWORKED AREA
(SEE NOTE) STRINGER BULB

NOTE: When reworking, remove no more than 0.001–0.002 inches of material.

DETAIL C
RIVET DIMPLES (TYPICAL) – AFTER REWORK

Figure 3
Anvil Impressions on Rivet Dimples and Rework of Areas (Typical)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1363 PAGE 10 of 10

MATERIAL REQUIRED: N/A

AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Your Piper Approved Service Center

EFFECTIVITY DATE: This service bulletin is effective upon receipt.

SUMMARY: Applicable factory participation is limited to new aircraft in warranty at the time of
compliance. Factory participation will remain in effect for a period of time not to
exceed 180 days from the date of this service bulletin.
Please contact your Piper Approved Service Center to make arrangements for
compliance with this service bulletin in accordance with the compliance time
indicated.

NOTE: Please notify the factory of any address/ownership corrections. Changes should include aircraft model,
serial number, and current owner’s name and address.

Corrections and/or changes should be directed to:

PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC.
Attn: Customer Service
2926 Piper Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32960
or:
[email protected]
Please include in subject line: “Aircraft ownership update”