AD/PA-30/25 Amdt 3 - Stabilator Torque Tube Bearing Block Attachment Fitting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, address various safety concerns within the aviation industry in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 focuses on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which aim to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-30/25 Amendment 3, pertains to Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes and was enacted to address the problem of looseness in the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings. This issue, identified through incidents, has the potential to cause the loss of pitch control, hence compromising flight safety. The policy objective behind this directive is to mandate regular inspections and necessary repairs to mitigate such risks. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is designed to align with the Federal Aviation Administration's standards, ensuring a cohesive approach to aircraft safety across jurisdictions.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the applicability of Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to aircraft with specific serial numbers: PA30 S/No's 30-1 through 30-2000 and PA39 S/No's 39-1 through 39-155. The directive requires aircraft owners or operators to inspect the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings for looseness and, if necessary, replace them using Piper Part No. 760 835 (Hi-Shear Rivet Replacement Kit). Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 100 hours after 15 September 1994, or at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the specified fittings are secured. This directive amends previous requirements that allowed for inspections at intervals not exceeding 300 hours. The intent of these regulations is to prevent the loss of pitch control due to loose fittings, ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, focus on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes. The particular directive AD/PA-30/25 Amendment 3, issued on 10/94, mandates a series of actions to address issues with the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings (section 10/94). The directive applies to aircraft with specific serial numbers, namely PA30 S/No’s 30-1 through 30-2000 and PA39 S/No’s 39-1 through 39-155. The primary requirement is to inspect the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings for looseness, a procedure that involves removing the tailcone and rear aft fuselage access door, exerting specified forces on the stabilator tip, and then reattaching the doors if necessary (section 1). If looseness is detected, the directive requires the incorporation of Piper Part No. 760 835, the Hi-Shear Rivet Replacement Kit, on the affected fitting. This process must be repeated for all fittings unless they are all secured with the kit, which then terminates the inspection requirements of this directive (section 2). The obligations under this directive are clear and specific, demanding that aircraft owners or operators inspect and potentially repair the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings within 100 hours of service after 15 September 1994, or at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until all fittings are secured with the replacement kit (section 1). The previous version of this directive required inspections at intervals not exceeding 300 hours, but the amendment tightens the compliance timeline (section 2). These inspections and any necessary repairs must be carried out meticulously to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft and to prevent any loss of pitch control due to loose fittings. The consequences for non-compliance with this directive are significant. Failure to adhere to the specified inspection and repair requirements can result in serious safety hazards, potentially leading to loss of control of the aircraft. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state maximum penalties for non-compliance, general aviation safety laws in Australia can impose substantial fines and potential criminal charges for any actions that endanger safety. The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of strict adherence to airworthiness directives to maintain the safety standards expected in civil aviation.