AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-31/130 Rudder Torque Tube Assembly and
Rudder Rib
2/2004
Applicability: Model
PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325 PA-31-350
PA-31P
PA-31P-350 PA-31T
PA-31T1 PA-31T2 PA-31T3
Serial numbers
31-2 through 31-8312019
31-5001 through 31-8553002
31P-1 through 31P-7730012
31P-8414001 through 31P-8414050
31T-7400001 through 31T-8120104
31T-7804001 through 31T-1104017
31T-8166001 through 31T-1166008
31T-8275001 through 31T-5575001
Requirement: 1. Install an inspection hole in the rudder skin for the rudder torque tube assembly in accordance with Piper Aircraft Service Bulletin (SB) No. 1105A, dated 22 September 2003; or, instead of installing an inspection hole, use the tooling hole in the rudder bottom rib. Enlargement of the diameter of the tooling hole by a maximum of 0.25 inches may be accomplished to facilitate inspection and corrosion treatment.
2. Visually inspect the rudder torque tube and associated ribs for corrosion in accordance with SB No. 1105A.
3. If corrosion damage is detected:
- Replace the rib/rudder torque tube assembly; or,
b. Repair the damaged torque tube using an approved repair design. FAA AD 2003-24-07 paragraph (f) specifies repair issues to be addressed.
Note: FAA AD 2003-24-07 Amdt 39-13376 refers.
Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-31/130 (continued)
Compliance: 1. Within 150 hours time in service after 19 February 2004, unless already accomplished.
2. Before further flight after accomplishment of Requirement 1, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months.
3. Before further flight after any Requirement 2 inspection where corrosion damage is detected.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 19 February 2004.
Background: The FAA received several reports of rudder torque tube and rib corrosion on Piper PA-31 Series aircraft. The area surrounding the rudder torque tube assembly and rudder rib does not have a means or access to inspect this area and no way for water to drain out. Corrosion in the rudder torque tube assembly and rudder rib could result in failure of the rudder torque tube, and consequent loss of rudder control.
David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 8 January 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 28 January 2004.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-31/130, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on 19 February 2004, addresses the safety concern of rudder torque tube and rib corrosion in Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to rectify the unsafe condition identified in these aircraft models, which could potentially result in the failure of the rudder torque tube and subsequent loss of rudder control. The AD mandates specific actions, including the installation of an inspection hole, visual inspection for corrosion, and the replacement or repair of corroded components, to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The policy objective of this directive is to mitigate the risk of structural failure and enhance flight safety by implementing these corrective measures.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to certain models of Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, including the PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31P-350, PA-31TPA, PA-31T1, PA-31T2, PA-31T3, within the specified serial numbers. This AD is issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive mandates certain actions to address an identified unsafe condition related to the rudder torque tube assembly and rudder rib, which can lead to corrosion and potential loss of rudder control. The requirement involves installing an inspection hole in the rudder skin, visually inspecting the rudder torque tube and associated ribs for corrosion, and taking corrective action if corrosion is detected. Compliance with the AD must be achieved within 150 hours of time in service after the AD's effective date of 19 February 2004, with further inspections required before further flight and at intervals not exceeding 12 calendar months. The directive applies nationally across Australia and extends to any aircraft within the specified models and serial numbers operating within the jurisdiction of CASA.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-31/130 (sections 2, 3, and 4) requires specific actions to be taken regarding the rudder torque tube assembly and rudder rib of certain Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. The directive mandates the installation of an inspection hole in the rudder skin for the rudder torque tube assembly as per Piper Aircraft Service Bulletin (SB) No. 1105A dated 22 September 2003. Alternatively, an existing tooling hole in the rudder bottom rib can be used for inspection, with the option to enlarge its diameter by up to 0.25 inches to facilitate inspection and corrosion treatment (section 2). The AD also requires a visual inspection of the rudder torque tube and associated ribs for corrosion in accordance with SB No. 1105A (section 2). If corrosion is detected during the inspection, the rib/rudder torque tube assembly must be replaced, or the damaged torque tube must be repaired using an approved repair design, specifically addressing the issues outlined in FAA AD 2003-24-07 paragraph (f) (section 3). The compliance period for these requirements is set within 150 hours of time in service after 19 February 2004 or if already completed. Further inspections must occur before further flight after the initial requirement and at intervals not exceeding 12 calendar months. Additionally, an inspection must take place before further flight after any inspection where corrosion damage is detected (section 4).
The obligations imposed by the AD are quite specific and involve meticulous inspection and repair procedures. Owners and operators of the affected Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the inspection hole is installed or the tooling hole is enlarged as required. They must also conduct regular visual inspections of the rudder torque tube and ribs for signs of corrosion and take corrective action if any corrosion is detected. The AD provides clear instructions on how to implement these requirements, referencing Piper Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 1105A and FAA AD 2003-24-07. Failure to adhere to these obligations could compromise the structural integrity of the rudder, leading to potential loss of rudder control.
Any non-compliance with the AD could result in serious safety risks, including the potential for rudder failure mid-flight. While the AD itself does not explicitly state penalties or consequences for non-compliance, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations generally can lead to significant penalties. These can include fines, enforcement actions, and in severe cases, grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The AD mandates these actions to ensure airworthiness and safety, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the specified requirements.