AD/PA-38/25 - Fuselage Frame at Rear Spar

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, play a crucial role in regulating civil aviation safety across the country. The specific legislative instrument in question, F2006B05964, pertains to the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes and addresses an identified safety issue with the fuselage frame at the rear spar. This directive was introduced to ensure the safety of these aircraft by addressing instances of cracking and distortion experienced in service, which are likely due to ground handling loads. The policy objective behind this enactment is to mandate regular inspections and necessary reinforcements to maintain airworthiness and prevent potential accidents or incidents related to structural failures in the specified aircraft models. The enactment body, the Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, issued this directive to comply with the overarching aim of enhancing aviation safety standards. By specifying the inspection and reinforcement requirements for the Rear Spar Frame Assembly at designated intervals, the legislation ensures that all PA-38-112 aircraft within the serial number range 38-78A0001 through 38-80A0198 are maintained to a safe operational standard. This approach aims to mitigate risks associated with structural weaknesses, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-38/25 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 through 38-80A0198. The regulation mandates an inspection of the Rear Spar Frame Assembly P/No 77467-09 at Fuselage Station 99.29 for any signs of cracks. Compliance with this directive requires the inspection to be conducted within 100 hours of time in service following 19 June 1986, or at the next scheduled maintenance inspection for a Maintenance Release after that date. The inspection must then be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the reinforcement as per Piper S.B. 834 is completed. The directive responds to reports of in-service cracking and distortion likely due to ground handling loads. This regulation applies nationally across Australia, enforcing safety standards under the jurisdiction of CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that governs the safety standards of various aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-38/25, pertains to the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes. The directive addresses issues with the fuselage frame at the rear spar. According to section 7/86, the directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 through 38-80A0198. The requirement is to inspect the Rear Spar Frame Assembly, part number 77467-09, located at fuselage station 99.29, for any cracks. This inspection must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 19 June 1986, or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue following that date. Subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the reinforcement is completed in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin 834. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-38 aircraft must ensure that the required inspections are conducted by qualified personnel. This includes making sure that the inspection is performed within the stipulated timeframes and intervals. Additionally, any identified issues must be addressed according to the guidelines provided by Piper Service Bulletin 834 to ensure the aircraft remains airworthy. Non-compliance with these requirements could lead to significant safety risks and potential legal consequences. Failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in AD/PA-38/25 can result in severe consequences. According to the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance may be considered a breach of airworthiness standards. Such breaches can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Civil penalties for non-compliance can be substantial, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be pursued. The specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but they can include fines and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.