AD/PA-18/14 - Rear Fuselage Tail Plane Support Tubes

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are fundamental in ensuring the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One of the key objectives of these regulations is to maintain high standards of airworthiness, particularly in light of identified safety concerns. Part 39, which includes the Airworthiness Directives, specifically addresses the requirement for regular inspections and maintenance to prevent accidents. The directive concerning the Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes, AD/PA-18/14, was introduced in response to incidents where cracked tubes under the tailplane support lugs were reported, posing a significant risk of loss of the tailplane and, consequently, the aeroplane itself. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate a thorough visual inspection of the specified fuselage tubular structure to mitigate such risks, ensuring continued compliance with safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to Airworthiness Directives, with this particular regulation focusing on Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates a visual inspection of the rear fuselage tail plane support tubes on all PA-18 aircraft. The requirement necessitates a thorough examination using a torch and mirror, with a focus on the underside of the tubes and the welded joints. Compliance with this directive involves conducting the inspection before the aircraft accumulates 5,000 hours of time in service, or before 50 hours of service after 27 April 1995, whichever occurs last. The directive emerges from two reported incidents of cracked tubes under the tailplane support lugs, which could potentially lead to the loss of the tailplane and consequently the aeroplane. The regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all PA-18 aircraft, with no specific exclusions or exemptions stated within the directive itself. The scope of the regulation extends to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft model within the Australian aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, govern the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/PA-18/14, applies to all Piper PA-18 aircraft, also known as the Super Cub series aeroplanes. This directive mandates a specific inspection procedure for the rear fuselage tailplane support tubes (Section 5/95). According to the directive, all PA-18 aircraft must undergo a visual inspection of the fuselage tubular structure near the horizontal stabiliser attachment lugs. The inspection should be conducted using a torch and mirror, with a particular focus on the underside of the tubes and the welded joints to ensure they are free from any defects such as cracks. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are clear and direct. Operators of PA-18 aircraft must ensure that the required inspection is performed before the aircraft reaches 5,000 hours of time in service, or before 50 hours of time in service after 27 April 1995, whichever is the later date. This inspection is imperative to identify and rectify any potential structural issues that could lead to catastrophic failure of the tailplane, ultimately preventing the loss of the aeroplane. Operators are required to meticulously document the inspection results and any subsequent repairs or maintenance actions taken. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose strict penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Under Section 9.11 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, any person who contravenes an airworthiness directive can be subject to civil penalties, which may include fines of up to $105,000 for individuals and $525,000 for corporations. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment for up to five years. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to CASA's directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.