AD/PA-28/28 Amdt 2 - Stabilator and Balance Weight Tube Assembly - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a significant legislative framework designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. One specific legislative instrument under this regulation, F2006B05589, pertains to the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes and addresses potential safety concerns with the stabilator and balance weight tube assembly. This amendment was introduced to fill a gap in safety protocols by requiring thorough inspections of critical components to prevent failures that could compromise flight safety. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft maintain their airworthiness and comply with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. By mandating specific inspection methods and intervals, the regulation aims to proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with structural integrity and control mechanisms of the aircraft. The legislative instrument in question amends the applicability of the inspection directive to clarify the specific models and components subject to the requirements, thereby reducing any potential ambiguity in compliance. This amendment targets Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, excluding certain models with newer balance weight tube parts, and mandates inspections using magnetic particle or dye penetrant methods to detect cracks and other defects in the stabilator balance weight tube assembly. Additionally, it requires visual inspections of stabilator/tube mount fittings and stabilator mounting points for wear, cracking, or loose rivets. The compliance schedule is set to ensure inspections are conducted at critical intervals, either before the aircraft exceeds specific flight hours or within a certain timeframe after significant service hours, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety and reliability.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, addresses the inspection requirements for the stabilator and balance weight tube assembly. This directive applies to all Piper PA-28 models including PA-28-140, -150, -160, -180 and 180S, as well as PA-28R-180, -200 and PA-28-235, except those equipped with specific tube part numbers that are exempt from this directive. The directive mandates inspections using magnetic particle or dye penetrant methods to check for cracks, and visual inspections for wear, cracking, and loose rivets, with corrective actions required if side movement is evident. The requirement stipulates specific intervals for inspections based on the aircraft's total time in service, necessitating inspections before exceeding certain service hours thresholds unless previously inspected according to an earlier directive. This regulatory framework ensures ongoing compliance with safety standards through regular and systematic inspections.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, mandate detailed inspection requirements for the stabilator and balance weight tube assembly. The directive, AD/PA-28/28 Amendment 2, applies to certain models of Piper PA-28 aeroplanes, excluding those equipped with specific tube part numbers. The key requirement outlined in section 1 of this directive is to conduct an inspection of the stabilator balance weight tube assembly using a magnetic particle or dye penetrant method to detect any cracks around the control cable lugs and tube attachment bolt holes. If mechanical means or sand blasting has been used to remove surface protective treatment, a magnetic particle inspection method must be employed. Additionally, section 2 mandates a visual inspection of the stabilator/tube mount fittings for wear, cracking, and loose rivets. Section 3 requires inspecting the stabilator mounting points for any side movement; if movement is detected, appropriate washers must be installed to centre the stabilator assembly and eliminate any side movement. The obligations imposed by these regulations are quite specific. Operators of the affected Piper PA-28 aeroplanes must ensure that the inspections are conducted by qualified personnel using the specified methods. For aircraft with less than 450 hours of total time in service as of 12 January 1971, the initial inspection must occur before the aircraft reaches 500 hours of total time in service. For aircraft that already had more than 450 hours of total time in service as of 12 January 1971, the inspection must be carried out within 50 hours of service unless they have already been inspected according to the preceding issue of this directive. Subsequent inspections must then occur at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of total time in service. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in these regulations could result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, under general civil aviation law, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, grounding of the aircraft, or even legal action against the operators or responsible persons. The severity of penalties may depend on the extent of non-compliance and any resultant safety risks or incidents.