AD/P68/45 - Wing Spar Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide the legal framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are mandatory rules intended to address safety issues in the operation of aircraft. Specifically, AD/P68/45, concerning the Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address a safety issue related to fatigue cracking in the wing spars of these aircraft. The directive was implemented to ensure that all P68 aircraft undergo a thorough inspection and, if necessary, repairs to mitigate the risk of structural failure due to undetected or inadequately managed fatigue cracks. The policy objective of AD/P68/45 is to enhance the immediate safety of the Australian P68 fleet by mandating a comprehensive inspection and appropriate corrective actions.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and Airworthiness Directive AD/P68/45, pertain to all Partenavia P68 series aeroplanes within the Australian jurisdiction. This regulation mandates a thorough inspection of the forward and rear spars of each wing to determine if they have been modified in accordance with the modifications listed in any revision of Partenavia Service Bulletin #65. These modifications were included in the manufacturing process from serial number 348 onwards and are described as terminating action for AD/P68/22 Amendment 4. If the aircraft has not been modified as specified, no further action is necessary. However, if modifications were made, the directive requires an inspection for the possible commencement of new fatigue cracking or further cracking of old cracks, in line with the instructions provided in Partenavia Service Bulletin #65 Revision 2. Any findings, including instances of no new cracking, must be reported to the Manager of the Structures Group Airworthiness Branch of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, either by mail or fax, using the proforma provided. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 25 hours or one month from receipt of the directive, whichever is sooner. The directive became effective on 7 September 1998 and is applicable nationally across Australia.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this legislation require an inspection of the forward and rear spars of the wings of all Partenavia P68 series aeroplanes. Specifically, section 1 requires the determination of whether any modifications listed in any revision of Partenavia Service Bulletin #65 have been applied to either spar in each wing. If no such modifications are present, no further action is required. Section 2 mandates an inspection of the areas highlighted in Partenavia Service Bulletin #65 Revision 2 for any signs of new fatigue cracking or further cracking of existing cracks. Any findings of new or further cracking must be repaired according to an approved repair procedure. The results of these inspections must be reported to the Manager of the Structures Group at CASA, either by mail or fax, within 25 hours or one month of receipt of the directive, whichever is sooner. The obligations imposed by this Act include the requirement for all P68 aircraft operators to ensure that the specified inspections are conducted by appropriately qualified personnel. The modifications and inspection procedures are detailed in Partenavia Service Bulletin #65 and its revisions, which must be followed exactly. Additionally, any findings must be reported to CASA as specified, providing detailed information on whether any cracking was found and the actions taken in response. This ensures that CASA has the necessary data to assess the airworthiness of the fleet and take any further action if required. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this legislation may result in enforcement action by CASA. While the regulations do not specify particular offences, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. In cases of significant non-compliance, penalties may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and other administrative measures. The exact consequences will depend on the nature and severity of the non-compliance, but operators are expected to take the directives seriously to ensure the ongoing safety of their operations.