AD/PA-44/9 - Aileron Balance Weight Attachment Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39 - 105 of this legislation, specifically addressing Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-44 (Seminole) series aeroplanes, was introduced to address a safety concern regarding the aileron balance weights potentially becoming loose in the outboard leading edge of the aileron. This directive aims to mitigate the risk of such a condition by mandating inspections and modifications to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. The policy objective is to enhance safety by preventing potential mechanical failures that could compromise the aircraft's performance and the safety of its occupants. The directive applies to all models PA-44-180 with serial numbers 44-7995001 to 44-8195016 and all models PA-44-180T with serial numbers 44-8107001 to 44-8107044. It requires an initial inspection before further flight and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service until the aircraft is modified in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 725A. The pilot in command is permitted to perform and certify this inspection. Additionally, a specific inspection is mandated within 200 hours of time in service following the directive's issue date, 21 August 1981. This directive references FAA AD 81-16-10 and is designed to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the Piper PA-44 series aeroplanes.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to certain Piper PA-44 (Seminole) series aeroplanes. The regulation targets all PA-44-180 models with serial numbers ranging from 44-7995001 to 44-8195016 and all PA-44-180T models with serial numbers ranging from 44-8107001 to 44-8107044. The directive mandates an initial inspection before any further flight and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service until modifications are made as per Piper S.B. No. 725A. Pilots in command are authorised to perform and certify these inspections. Additionally, a specific inspection is required within 200 hours of time in service following 21 August 1981 to address potential issues with aileron balance weights becoming loose in the outboard leading edge of the aileron. This regulation is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates specific airworthiness directives for the Piper PA-44 (Seminole) series aeroplanes. Section 10/81 of the AD/PA-44/9 directive is focused on the aileron balance weight attachment, requiring an inspection and potential modification. The directive applies to all models of PA-44-180 with serial numbers ranging from 44-7995001 to 44-8195016 and PA-44-180T with serial numbers ranging from 44-8107001 to 44-8107044. The inspection must be conducted before any further flight and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 25 hours in service until the modification in accordance with Piper S.B. No. 725A is completed. The pilot in command is authorised to perform and certify this inspection. Under the obligations imposed by these regulations, the owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-44 aeroplanes must ensure that the aileron balance weights are inspected according to the stipulated intervals. This is a crucial safety measure aimed at preventing the aileron balance weights from becoming loose in the outboard leading edge of the aileron, which could compromise flight safety. Additionally, operators must complete the modification as detailed in Piper S.B. No. 725A within 200 hours of time in service following 21 August 1981. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state penalties but imply that non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The potential outcomes include grounding of the aircraft, fines, and other administrative actions to ensure compliance with safety standards. Given the critical nature of the directive, any lapse in adhering to these requirements could result in significant operational disruptions and potentially endanger flight safety.