AD/PA-32/61 - Stabilator Skin - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, address safety concerns in civil aviation through a series of detailed regulations and directives. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that mandate regular inspections and maintenance to ensure aircraft safety. One such directive, AD/PA-32/61, pertains to the stabilator skin inspection of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, encompassing models PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32R-300, PA-32RT-300, and PA-32RT-300T. This directive was introduced in response to an accident investigation revealing a significant fatigue crack in the lower surface of the stabilator, leading to a precautionary measure to inspect all affected models. The objective is to proactively identify and address any structural issues that could compromise flight safety, with the requirement to report findings to the Department, even if no damage is detected. This directive ensures that any emerging issues are thoroughly assessed, contributing to the overarching goal of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandates airworthiness directives that are essential for ensuring the safety of aviation operations within Australia. The directive AD/PA-32/61 pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, including all models PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32R-300, PA-32RT-300, and PA-32RT-300T. This legislation applies to the inspection of the stabilator skin, particularly focusing on the identification of potential skin cracking at the spanwise lap joint near the front spar location, with a specific emphasis on the lower surface of the stabilator. The directive requires operators to visually inspect the specified area, with the results, whether or not any damage is found, to be reported to an Airworthiness Office of the Department. Additionally, the presence or absence of a joggle or kink in the skin should also be communicated. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 25 hours of time in service following 8 June 1979, reflecting a precautionary measure following an accident investigation that identified a fatigue crack in the stabilator skin.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives that apply to specific aircraft types. One such directive, AD/PA-32/61, pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, which covers models PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32R-300, PA-32RT-300, and PA-32RT-300T. This directive mandates a visual inspection of the stabilator skin to identify any potential issues such as skin cracking at the spanwise lap joint near the front spar location (Section 6/79). Notably, this inspection should focus on both the upper and lower surfaces of the stabilator, with particular attention to the lower surface. Additionally, the directive requests that the results of this inspection, whether or not any damage is found, be reported to an Airworthiness Office of the Department. The report should also include any joggle or kink in the skin as identified in the accompanying sketch. A verbal report is acceptable if no damage is found. Entities governed by this directive are required to comply with the inspection and reporting provisions. Specifically, the inspection must be carried out within 25 hours of time in service after 8 June 1979. This timeframe is crucial to ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. The directive underscores the importance of thorough reporting, as it helps the Department to conduct a comprehensive assessment of any general problems that may exist within this fleet of aircraft. Compliance with these requirements is essential for maintaining the airworthiness and safety standards of the specified aircraft models. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the AD/PA-32/61 directive could lead to serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally attracts significant penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. For instance, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can result in substantial fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against individuals or corporations responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and violations can lead to enforcement actions, including the grounding of aircraft and legal proceedings against the operators or owners.