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-38/28 Rudder Hinge Bracket 6/98
Applicability: Model PA-38-112 aircraft with serial numbers 38-80A0166 through 38-82A0122.
Requirement: Remove and replace the upper rudder hinge bracket part number 77610-02, with a new upper rudder hinge bracket part number 77610-03, in accordance with the instructions section of Piper Service Bulletin (SB) 686.
Note 1: The serial numbers listed in the applicability section of this Directive do not match the serial numbers listed in Piper SB 686. This Directive takes precedence over Piper SB 686.
Note 2: FAA AD 98-03-16 Amdt 39-10308 refers.
Compliance: Upon the accumulation of 5,000 hours total time in service, or within the next 100 hours time in service, whichever occurs later. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 hours time in service.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 21 May 1998.
Background: The FAA received reports of fatigue cracks occurring on the upper rudder hinge bracket. The manufacture of a new upper rudder hinge bracket with a life limited improved design prompted the FAA to require repetitive replacement of the hinge bracket. Failure of the bracket could result in separation of the rudder and loss of control of the aircraft.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One specific part of this legislation, Part 39 - 105, addresses Airworthiness Directives for particular aircraft models, including the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes. The problem this legislation aims to address is the potential for structural failure in aircraft components, which could compromise flight safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues these directives to ensure that aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety standards. The policy objective behind these regulations is to mandate regular inspections and maintenance actions to prevent the occurrence of critical failures, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from aviation-related hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the replacement of the upper rudder hinge bracket on Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes, specifically model PA-38-112 aircraft with serial numbers 38-80A00166 through 38-82A0122. This directive mandates the replacement of the existing upper rudder hinge bracket part number 77610-02 with a new one, part number 77610-03, following the instructions provided in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) 686. Despite discrepancies between the serial numbers in the directive and the service bulletin, the AD takes precedence. The directive applies nationally and is enforced by CASA, ensuring compliance with safety standards across the Commonwealth of Australia. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the separation of the rudder and subsequent loss of control of the aircraft. The initial compliance must occur within 100 hours of service or after 5,000 hours of total time in service, whichever is later, and must then be repeated at intervals not exceeding 5,000 hours.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Subpart 105, mandates the replacement of the upper rudder hinge bracket on Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes (Section 39-105). This applies to model PA-38-112 aircraft with serial numbers 38-80A0166 through 38-82A0122. The directive, identified as AD/PA-38/28, requires the removal and replacement of the existing upper rudder hinge bracket part number 77610-02 with a new part number 77610-03, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) 686. It is important to note that this directive supersedes any conflicting information in Piper SB 686. The directive references FAA AD 98-03-16 Amdt 39-10308.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be carried out in a timely manner. The replacement is required either upon the accumulation of 5,000 hours of total time in service or within the next 100 hours of time in service, whichever comes later. Subsequent compliance must occur at intervals not exceeding 5,000 hours of total time in service. The directive became effective on 21 May 1998. The impetus for this directive stems from reports of fatigue cracks in the upper rudder hinge bracket, which could lead to the separation of the rudder and a loss of control over the aircraft. The manufacture of a new bracket with an improved design that extends its life led to the requirement for its periodic replacement.
The regulations impose specific obligations on the parties governed by this directive. Aircraft operators must ensure that the required replacement of the upper rudder hinge bracket is performed according to the specified schedule and instructions. This involves the acquisition of the new bracket part number 77610-03 and the replacement process as outlined in Piper SB 686. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant safety risks, as highlighted by the potential for rudder separation and loss of control.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can result in serious legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties on non-compliant operators, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The severity of the penalties reflects the critical nature of the directive in maintaining the safety of the aircraft. The specific penalties and enforcement actions are outlined in the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which govern civil aviation safety in Australia.