AD/PA-24/43 - Wing Main Spar Lower Cap - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within the country. These regulations are part of a broader legislative framework designed to manage and mitigate risks associated with civil aviation. One specific regulation, AD/PA-24/43, targets the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes, addressing a noted issue with the wing main spar lower cap. This directive was introduced to address instances of chafing at the juncture where the spar enters the fuselage, a problem identified through the manufacturer's reports. The policy objective behind this regulation is to enhance aircraft safety by mandating specific inspection protocols within a defined timeframe to prevent potential structural failures. Compliance with these directives is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft models, thereby safeguarding both the crew and passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 pertaining to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to certain Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates that all model PA-24-400 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 26-2 and subsequent, as well as all model PA-24-180, PA-24-250 and PA-24-260 with S/Nos. 24-1 and subsequent, comply with AD/PA-24/43, which requires the inspection of the wing main spar lower cap. The directive necessitates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30th September 1983. This legislative instrument aims to address and mitigate the issue of chafing of the wing main spar lower cap where it enters the fuselage, as reported by the manufacturer through Piper Service Bulletin No. 751. The application of this directive is geographically broad, extending across the Commonwealth of Australia, and applies to the specified aircraft models within the outlined serial number ranges. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but its enforcement may be subject to the broader regulatory framework provided by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, impose specific requirements on the maintenance and inspection of Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes to ensure airworthiness. Specifically, Airworthiness Directive (AD) PA-24/43 mandates that the wing main spar lower cap of all model PA-24-400 with serial numbers 26-2 and subsequent, and all models PA-24-180, PA-24-250 and PA-24-260 with serial numbers 24-1 and subsequent, must be inspected. This directive was issued following reports from the manufacturer of chafing in the area where the wing main spar enters the fuselage, as documented in Piper Service Bulletin No. 751. The compliance period requires that the inspection be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 30th September 1983. The obligations under this directive require aircraft owners and operators to ensure that the specified models undergo a thorough inspection of the wing main spar lower cap. This involves examining the area where the spar enters the fuselage for any signs of chafing or damage. Owners and operators must maintain records of all inspections and any corrective actions taken, ensuring that these records are readily accessible for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This documentation is critical for demonstrating compliance with the AD and for ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD PA-24/43 may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines and potential legal action. In severe cases, CASA may take enforcement actions such as grounding the aircraft, imposing operational restrictions, or even cancelling the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. These measures are designed to ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and to protect the public from potential hazards associated with non-compliance.