AD/PA-18/11 Amdt 1 - Lower Horizontal Stabiliser Brace Wire Fuselage Attachment Tab - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. Among its various provisions, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses the implementation of airworthiness directives, which are mandatory instructions issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address identified safety issues in aircraft operations. The objective of these directives is to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby mitigating risks associated with aviation activities. The focus of this particular legislative instrument is on the Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing an issue related to the lower horizontal stabiliser brace wire fuselage attachment tab. This directive was introduced to rectify a safety concern identified in certain models of these aeroplanes, ensuring compliance with safety standards and reducing the risk of potential accidents. The specific airworthiness directive AD/PA-18/11 Amendment 1 pertains to the inspection and modification of the lower horizontal stabiliser brace wire fuselage attachment tab on Piper PA-18-150 models with serial numbers ranging from 18-8602 to 18-8109013. The directive mandates that inspections be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1981, and modifications be completed within 300 hours of time in service following the same date, unless such actions have already been undertaken. This directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 706A, which outlines the necessary changes, and notes that aircraft modified in accordance with this bulletin do not require further modifications. The directive aims to ensure that all affected aircraft comply with the specified safety requirements, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the civil aviation sector, focusing on maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft, in this instance, the Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes. This legislation is applicable to all aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers who deal with these specific models of aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers within the range specified. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, as it is a Commonwealth regulation, impacting all operations within Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, meaning that all relevant aircraft must comply with the airworthiness directives outlined. This directive extends its application through subordinate instruments such as service bulletins and airworthiness directives, ensuring compliance and safety standards are uniformly enforced.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, incorporates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/PA-18/11 Amendment 1 for the Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes. This directive (Section 1) concerns the lower horizontal stabiliser brace wire fuselage attachment tab, requiring inspection and modification. According to the document, Piper Service Bulletin No. 706A, which references the FAA AD 81-06-80 Letter dated 13 March 1981, aircraft that have been modified according to Piper Service Bulletin No. 706 are exempt from further modifications. The directive applies to all PA-18-150 models with serial numbers ranging from 18-8602 to 18-8109013. The obligations imposed by this directive require aircraft operators to inspect the lower horizontal stabiliser brace wire fuselage attachment tab within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1981, unless this inspection has already been completed. Similarly, operators must modify the attachment tab within 300 hours of time in service after the same date, unless the modification has already been carried out. These provisions ensure that the structural integrity of the specified aircraft models is maintained in compliance with CASA standards. Failure to adhere to these directives can lead to serious safety issues. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with this specific directive, general non-compliance with CASA regulations can result in substantial penalties. Under Section 96 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, penalties can include fines of up to $150,000 for corporations and $30,000 for individuals, as well as imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, CASA can impose operational restrictions or revoke airworthiness certificates, which would render the aircraft non-compliant and unable to fly. These consequences highlight the importance of strict adherence to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of all aviation operations.