COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-38/18 Aileron Torque Tube Bearing - Inspection 9/81
Applicability: All models PA-38-112 with S/Nos. 38-78A0001 to 38-80A0198, 38-81A0002 to 38- 81A0021, 38-81A0024 to 38-81A0026, 38-81A0030 to 38-81A0035.
Document: Piper SB No. 709.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 September 1981.
Background: The aileron torque tube bearing P/N 452523 may have been installed improperly in the referenced aeroplanes.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-38/18 to address safety concerns related to the improper installation of aileron torque tube bearings in Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes. Enacted in 1998, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aimed to enhance aviation safety by establishing comprehensive regulations governing airworthiness and maintenance of aircraft. AD/PA-38/18 specifically targets all models PA-38-112 with serial numbers falling within specific ranges, mandating an inspection of the aileron torque tube bearing P/N 452523 to ensure it was installed correctly. This measure is intended to mitigate potential risks associated with improper installation, thereby contributing to the overarching policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
This legislative instrument underscores CASA’s commitment to proactive safety management by addressing identified gaps in aircraft maintenance protocols. By requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1981, the directive ensures that affected aircraft receive timely inspections and necessary corrective actions, further reinforcing the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-38/18 specifically targeting Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes to ensure the proper inspection of the aileron torque tube bearing. This directive applies to all models of the PA-38-112 series with specific serial numbers, as detailed in the document. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the specified aircraft within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1981. The directive aims to rectify potential installation issues with the aileron torque tube bearing, as indicated in Piper Service Bulletin No. 709, to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. The scope of this regulation is confined to the designated serial numbers of the PA-38-112 models and does not extend to other models or aircraft types.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate specific maintenance actions for certain models of Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes. The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-38/18 pertains to the inspection of the aileron torque tube bearing. This directive applies to all PA-38-112 models with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-80A0198, 38-81A0002 to 38-81A0021, 38-81A0024 to 38-81A0026, and 38-81A0030 to 38-81A0035 (section 39-105). The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 709 and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1981.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the aileron torque tube bearing is inspected for proper installation and condition as outlined in the directive. This inspection must be conducted by a licensed aircraft maintenance technician who is appropriately certified and trained to perform such tasks. The directive necessitates that any discrepancies or issues identified during the inspection are addressed and rectified in accordance with the applicable regulations and manufacturer's guidance.
Failure to comply with AD/PA-38/18 can result in serious consequences. The regulations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 impose penalties for non-compliance with ADs. These penalties may include substantial fines, as well as potential suspension or revocation of the aeroplane's certificate of airworthiness. In severe cases, where non-compliance leads to an accident or incident, criminal charges may be brought against the operator or owner, leading to imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the specific circumstances and severity of the non-compliance, but they are intended to enforce the importance of adhering to safety directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.