AD/PA-30/28 - Fin Forward Spar Attachment - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B05669, was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to regulate civil aviation safety, including the issuance of airworthiness directives. This specific legislative instrument targets Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes by introducing Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-30/28, which mandates a detailed visual inspection of the fin forward spar to fuselage attachment. The directive aims to address the problem of potential cracks in the bend relief cutout radius of channel P/N 22903-00, which, if undetected, could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. Compliance with this directive is crucial for ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of the specified aircraft models, thereby enhancing flight safety and maintaining the high standards required within Australia's civil aviation framework.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), specifically pertain to the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 30-1 to 30-2000 and 39-1 to 39-155. This legislation mandates a visual inspection of the fin forward spar to fuselage attachment to ensure there are no cracks in the bend relief cutout radius of channel P/N 22903-00, with the aid of at least a 5X magnifying glass. The inspection must be carried out within 50 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 22 September 1976, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The legislation also references FAA AD 76-18-05, indicating alignment with international standards, and provides notes for modifying the fin assembly to facilitate visual access to the channel relief holes. This directive is enforced nationally, ensuring consistent safety standards across all jurisdictions within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes specific directives concerning the airworthiness of Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. One such directive is AD/PA-30/28 (9/76), which mandates a visual inspection of the fin forward spar to fuselage attachment. The requirement is for the inspection to be conducted with at least a 5X magnifying glass, focusing on the bend relief cutout radius of channel P/N 22903-00 (Section 39-105). It is important to note that while the specific part number quoted may not be listed in the Parts Catalogue, it is a component of the fin front spar, which is recorded as a complete assembly under a different part number. Furthermore, Piper Service Letter No. 777 provides detailed instructions on modifying the fin assembly to facilitate visual access to the channel relief holes. This inspection directive is also referenced in FAA AD 76-18-05. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 aeroplanes must ensure that the fin forward spar to fuselage attachment is visually inspected within 50 hours of time in service after 22 September 1976. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This ongoing requirement ensures the structural integrity of the aeroplanes is maintained, minimising the risk of in-flight structural failure. The directive underscores the importance of regular and thorough visual inspections to detect any potential cracks or other damage in the specified area, thereby contributing to overall aviation safety. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/PA-30/28 (9/76) can result in significant legal and operational consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other administrative penalties. The potential civil and criminal liabilities for breaches of these safety directives are severe, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining aircraft airworthiness to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. It is imperative for operators to adhere to these regulations to avoid these consequences.