AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
De Havilland DH 83 (Fox Moth) Series Aeroplanes
AD/DH 83/1 Flight Limitations and Structural Inspection 12/2003
Applicability: All Models DH 83 series aircraft.
Requirement: Action in accordance with British Aerospace (BAe) Mandatory Technical News Sheet (TNS) CT (Moth) No. 32 Issue 2.
Note: UK CAA AD 002-03-98 refers.
Compliance: 1. For aircraft requiring aerobatic and spinning clearance:
Accomplish the instructions contained within TNS CT (Moth) No. 32 Issue 2 Paragraph 8B and 8D before resuming aerobatic flight, while Paragraphs 8A and 8C of TNS CT (Moth) No. 32 Issue 2 must be completed within 150 hours time in service after 27 November 2003 or before 27 May 2004, whichever occurs first; unless previously accomplished.
2. For aircraft not requiring aerobatic and spinning clearance:
Accomplish the instructions contained within TNS CT (Moth) No. 32 Issue 2 Paragraphs 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D within 150 hours time in service after
27 November 2003 or before 27 May 2004, whichever occurs first; unless previously accomplished.
Where the intent of the spar root inspection with bolts removed (Paragraph 8B refers) has been carried out during restoration/overhaul work prior to the issue of TNS CT (Moth) No. 32 Issue 2; provided that the work carried out is equivalent to Paragraph 8B which includes wet assembly, and is substantiated by documented proof, compliance with Paragraph 8B is not required.
3. Repeat the structural inspection contained within TNS CT (Moth) No. 32 Issue 2 Paragraph 8A at intervals not to exceed 3 calendar years.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 November 2003.
Background: An accident occurred in 1998 involving a Tiger Moth aircraft. The aircraft was involved in aerobatic manoeuvres and suffered structural failure. Any form of aerobatic or spinning manoeuvres was prohibited pending the conclusion of an accident investigation.
De Havilland DH 83 (Fox Moth) Series Aeroplanes
AD/DH 83/1 (continued)
British Aerospace TNS No. 32 Issue 2 was issued in response to the results of the accident investigation. This Directive introduces a specific inspection to clear aerobatic and spinning manoeuvres and a structural inspection program to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 14 October 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 5 November 2003.