AD/PA-38/19 - Aileron Balance Weight Rib - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide a regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety and efficiency in the industry. Part 39 - 105, specifically, establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are regulatory instruments aimed at addressing safety issues in civil aircraft. The directive AD/PA-38/19, concerning Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address a problem identified in the aileron balance weight ribs of certain models. The manufacturer had reported cracks in the flange area of the aileron balance weight ribs, prompting the need for regular inspections to prevent potential safety hazards. This directive is intended to ensure that the identified issue is adequately monitored and rectified to maintain airworthiness standards. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, an agency within the Australian Government responsible for the safety and efficiency of Australia’s civil aviation. The policy objective behind AD/PA-38/19 is to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures by mandating regular inspections and timely corrective actions. This proactive approach aims to maintain the integrity of the aileron balance weight ribs, thereby ensuring the continued safe operation of the affected aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an airworthiness directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models of the PA-38-112 with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-81A0051 and 38-81A0105. The directive mandates an inspection of the aileron balance weight rib, identified by Piper Service Bulletin No. 723, to address reports of cracks developing in the flange area of the aileron balance weight ribs P/Nos. 77342-16 and -17. The inspection is required within 25 hours of time in service after the directive's issue date of 22 September 1981, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the aeroplane is modified by incorporating Piper Kit P/N 764 140. The directive applies to aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced under the regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes through AD/PA-38/19. This directive, as outlined in section 11/81, mandates inspections of the aileron balance weight rib in specific models of the aircraft. The directive applies to all models PA-38-112 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-81A0051 and 38-81A0105. The compliance requirement, as stated, is to conduct inspections within 25 hours of time in service after 22 September 1981, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the aeroplane is modified by incorporating Piper Kit P/N 764 140. This directive is based on Piper Service Bulletin No. 723, which reports on the development of cracks in the flange area of the aileron balance weight rib, specifically parts numbers 77342-16 and -17. The obligations imposed by this directive on the owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-38 aeroplanes include conducting the required inspections at the prescribed intervals. This involves ensuring that the aileron balance weight rib is thoroughly examined for any signs of cracks or other forms of damage. Operators must document each inspection and any subsequent modifications in accordance with the regulations. This ensures that the aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to adhere to these inspection requirements can result in the aeroplane being grounded until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/PA-38/19 may lead to significant consequences. According to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance can result in civil penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations is substantial and may include fines up to a significant amount as stipulated in the Act. Furthermore, if non-compliance leads to an incident or accident, the operator could face more severe legal consequences, including criminal charges. The potential criminal penalties could involve imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring airworthiness and the safety of passengers and crew. It is imperative that all obligations under this directive are met to avoid these severe repercussions.