COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Pitts S-1 and S-2 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PITTS S-2/12 Front Horizontal Stabiliser Support Tube - Modification
Applicability: All model S-1S with S/Nos. 1-001 to 1-0060. Document: Pitts Aerobatics SB No. 14.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 December 1980.
Background: The manufacturer advises that cracks have been found in the front horizontal stabiliser support tube on factory completed aeroplanes.
3/81
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to regulate the safety of civil aviation within the country. One of the legislative instruments under this Act is the Airworthiness Directive issued for the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes, specifically AD/PITTS S-2/12, which pertains to the modification of the front horizontal stabiliser support tube. This directive was introduced to address the issue of cracks found in the front horizontal stabiliser support tube on factory-completed aeroplanes, as advised by the manufacturer. The objective of this directive is to ensure that all model S-1S aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1-001 to 1-0060 comply with the specified modifications within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1980, as referenced in Pitts Aerobatics Service Bulletin No. 14. This legislative measure aims to enhance the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft, ensuring they meet the stringent safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PITTS S-2/12 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, addressing the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model S-1S aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 1-001 to 1-0060, necessitating compliance with modifications outlined in Pitts Aerobatics Service Bulletin No. 14. The directive mandates that these modifications be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1980, following the manufacturer's advisory that cracks have been discovered in the front horizontal stabiliser support tube on factory-completed aeroplanes. This directive is jurisdictional within the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to the specified aircraft models in the national airspace, ensuring their continued airworthiness and safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft types, including the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes. In this case, the Airworthiness Directive AD/PITTS S-2/12 (section 3/81) focuses on the modification of the front horizontal stabiliser support tube on model S-1S aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1-001 to 1-0060. The directive requires compliance with Pitts Aerobatics Service Bulletin No. 14. According to this directive, the modification must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1980, to address the issue of cracks found in the front horizontal stabiliser support tube on factory-completed aeroplanes.
The obligations under this directive are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the affected Pitts S-1S aeroplanes must ensure that the front horizontal stabiliser support tube modification is carried out in accordance with the instructions provided in Pitts Aerobatics Service Bulletin No. 14. This involves a thorough inspection of the tube for any signs of cracks and, if necessary, implementing the recommended repair or replacement procedures. The directive mandates that these actions be taken within the specified timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/PITTS S-2/12 may result in serious consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft, potentially leading to grounding or other restrictions on the operation of the aeroplane until the necessary modifications are completed. Additionally, operators who fail to adhere to the directive may face penalties, which could include fines and other regulatory sanctions. It is important to note that these measures are in place to ensure the safety of flight operations and to prevent potential accidents arising from structural failures in the front horizontal stabiliser support tube.