COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-42/18 Elevator Upper Skin Cracking 10/88
Applicability: PA-42, PA42-720R, PA42-720 and PA42-1000; with Serial Numbers listed in the Requirement Document.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Piper SB No 887.
Compliance: At the next inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 6 October 1988 or within 100 hours time in service after 6 October 1988 whichever is the later.
Background: There have been reports of cracking developing in the top outboard area of the elevator skin. If uncorrected these could propagate and result in the loss of structural integrity.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were introduced to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation within Australia. One of the key aspects of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address identified safety issues. AD/PA-42/18, introduced on 10 August 1988, is an example of such a directive. This specific AD addresses the problem of upper skin cracking in the elevators of Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes, which, if uncorrected, could lead to the propagation of cracks and subsequent loss of structural integrity. The policy objective behind this AD is to ensure that the identified safety issue is promptly addressed by requiring compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 887, either at the next maintenance inspection or within 100 hours of time in service after 10 August 1988, whichever is later.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) plays a crucial role in enforcing these regulations, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. By issuing specific ADs like AD/PA-42/18, CASA aims to mitigate risks associated with known safety issues, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation in Australia. This approach underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to address emerging safety concerns in the aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, apply to the Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) Series aeroplanes, specifically the models PA-42, PA42-720R, PA42-720, and PA42-1000, which are identified by the serial numbers listed in the relevant Requirement Document. This legislation is applicable to any individual or entity involved in the maintenance or operation of these aircraft, ensuring compliance with safety directives to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity. The regulations have a national jurisdictional reach, covering all states and territories within Australia. The directive mandates compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 887, which must be actioned at the next inspection for maintenance release issue following 6 October 1988 or within 100 hours of time in service after that date, whichever is later. This action is crucial to address the reported cracking in the top outboard area of the elevator skin, which, if left uncorrected, could lead to a loss of structural integrity. The application of these regulations may be extended or specified further through subordinate instruments, ensuring comprehensive oversight and adherence to safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, mandates Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for certain aircraft types to ensure safety and airworthiness. For the Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) Series Aeroplanes, AD/PA-42/18 addresses elevator upper skin cracking (Section 10/88). This directive applies to specific models of the PA-42 series with particular serial numbers (Section 10/88). The directive requires action in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No 887, which outlines the necessary measures to rectify the issue of elevator upper skin cracking (Section 10/88).
The AD mandates compliance at the next inspection for maintenance release issue following 6 October 1988, or within 100 hours of time in service after this date, whichever is later (Section 10/88). This ensures that all affected aircraft are inspected and any necessary repairs are implemented in a timely manner. Compliance with this directive is critical as there have been reports of cracking in the top outboard area of the elevator skin. If left uncorrected, these cracks could propagate and lead to a loss of structural integrity, posing significant safety risks (Section 10/88).
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that the required action, as outlined in Piper SB No 887, is carried out. This involves conducting thorough inspections and implementing any necessary repairs to prevent the development and propagation of cracks in the elevator upper skin. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to the specified timeline for compliance, ensuring that all affected aircraft are addressed promptly to maintain their airworthiness.
Failure to comply with the AD/PA-42/18 could result in serious consequences. If an aircraft does not meet the compliance requirements, it may be deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding until the necessary repairs are completed. Additionally, non-compliance could result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other legal actions, underscoring the importance of adherence to the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.