AD/PA-34/40 - Stabilator Attach Fitting Corrosion

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which address the specific maintenance requirements for various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/PA-34/40, pertains to the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series aeroplanes and specifically targets stabilator attach fitting corrosion. This directive was enacted to mitigate the risks associated with severe corrosion that had been reported between the steel attach fittings and the fuselage structure of these aircraft models. The legislation was enacted by the Australian Government and came into force on 7 May 1987, aiming to ensure that all Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series aeroplanes comply with the manufacturer’s service bulletin No 856 to address the identified corrosion issues. The primary objective is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections and appropriate maintenance actions to prevent structural failures due to corrosion.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all models of Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No 856. This regulation mandates compliance with the stabilator attach fitting corrosion directive, which was issued on 5 May 1987. The directive requires aircraft maintenance to be performed in accordance with the guidance provided in Piper Service Bulletin No 856, focusing on addressing severe corrosion between the steel attach fittings and the fuselage structure. Compliance with this directive must occur at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release following the issuance date and subsequently at intervals not exceeding one year. This regulation applies on a national level across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. No specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are mentioned in this particular directive, but the application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by the authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a directive concerning the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes (Section 39-105). The directive, identified as AD/PA-34/40, addresses stabilator attach fitting corrosion (Section 5/87). This directive applies to all models listed in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No 856 (Applicability). Under this directive, the requirement is that action must be taken in accordance with Piper SB No 856 (Requirement). This involves inspecting and potentially replacing the stabilator attach fittings to mitigate the risk of corrosion, which has been identified as a safety concern. Compliance with this directive is mandated at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release after 7 May 1987, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding one year (Compliance). Operators and maintenance providers are obligated to adhere to the stipulations outlined in Piper SB No 856 to ensure the airworthiness of the Piper PA-34 series aeroplanes. This includes conducting the necessary inspections and making any required repairs or replacements of the stabilator attach fittings to prevent corrosion, which could compromise the structural integrity and flight safety of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive may result in various civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties could include fines, and in severe cases, the aircraft may be grounded until the necessary actions are taken to ensure compliance. Additionally, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to criminal charges, with potential penalties including imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The exact penalties are not specified in the given text, but they can be severe under Australian law.