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-2/17
Amdt 2
Rear Lower Fuselage Wing Fittings 2/99
Applicability: All models, except model S-2B serial number 5337 and on.
Requirement: Action in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Aviat Aircraft Service Bulletin No.25 dated April 3 1996, initial issue or as revised 12 November 1996 or 11 November 1997.
Note: FAA AD 96-12-03 R2 refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, inspect within 50 hours time in service after 6 November 1997. Re-inspect at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service until modified in accordance with the repair scheme at paragraph 6.C. of the requirement document.
This Amendment becomes effective on 25 February 1999.
Background: Cracking of the rear lower fuselage fittings has been discovered in models S-2. The same fitting is also used in Models S-1. A cracked fitting may cause an in flight wing separation.
Amendment 1 excluded certain model S-2B aircraft, which have an improved rear lower fuselage wing fitting incorporated during manufacture, and updated the referenced requirement document and FAA airworthiness directive.
This amendment revises the applicability to S-2B aircraft and updates the referenced requirement document and FAA airworthiness directive. The improved rear lower fuselage wing fitting was installed commencing with aircraft serial number 5337, not 5349 as stated in the earlier directive.
Amendment 1 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 6 November 1997. The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 17 July 1996.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, serve to regulate various aspects of civil aviation within Australia, ensuring safety and compliance with international standards. This legislative instrument specifically pertains to Part 39 - 105, which details airworthiness directives for specific aircraft types, including the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) administers these regulations, aiming to address safety concerns and mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations. The problem this legislation was introduced to address is the risk of in-flight wing separation due to cracking of the rear lower fuselage fittings in Pitts S-2 series aeroplanes, a concern that also affects the S-1 models.
The policy objective of this particular airworthiness directive is to mandate inspections and necessary repairs on the rear lower fuselage wing fittings of Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes to prevent potential wing separation during flight. This directive was introduced following the discovery of cracks in these fittings, which could lead to catastrophic failure. By requiring regular inspections and adherence to specific repair instructions, the regulation seeks to maintain the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft, thereby protecting the lives of those on board and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety standards for aircraft maintenance and modifications, with a focus on ensuring the airworthiness of various aircraft types. This particular legislative instrument concerns the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes, establishing airworthiness directives for these aircraft models. The regulations apply to all Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes, except for the S-2B model with serial number 5337 and onwards, which are equipped with an improved fitting. The scope of the legislation is to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in the accomplishment instructions of the Aviat Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 25, dated April 3, 1996, and its subsequent revisions. It mandates inspections and modifications to the rear lower fuselage wing fittings to prevent potential in-flight separations due to cracking. Compliance with these directives is critical for maintaining the safety of these aircraft within Australian airspace. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and are applicable nationwide, ensuring uniform standards across the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes detailed provisions governing the airworthiness of Pitts S-1 and S-2 Series aeroplanes, with a notable focus on the rear lower fuselage wing fittings. Section AD/PITTS S-2/17 Amendment 2 outlines the applicability of the directive to all models of these aircraft except for the S-2B model with serial number 5337 and onwards, which have an improved fitting. The primary requirement (Section 2/99) mandates compliance with the accomplishment instructions found in Aviat Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 25 dated April 3, 1996, or its subsequent revisions dated November 12, 1996, and November 11, 1997. The directive references FAA AD 96-12-03 R2, indicating alignment with international safety standards.
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this Act include a mandatory inspection within 50 hours of service after November 6, 1997, unless already performed. Owners and operators must adhere to these inspection requirements and ensure that any identified issues are rectified according to the repair scheme outlined in paragraph 6.C of the requirement document. Further, re-inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of service until the aircraft is modified as specified. This rigorous inspection schedule underscores the importance of maintaining the structural integrity of these aircraft to prevent potential in-flight wing separations, which can result from cracked fittings.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can lead to severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with these safety requirements can result in civil penalties. The maximum penalties for breaches may include fines and other sanctions that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet the mandated safety standards poses significant risks not only to the aircraft and its occupants but also to public safety, potentially leading to criminal charges if the breach results in serious harm or fatalities. The detailed nature of these regulations and the associated penalties highlights the critical importance of adherence to airworthiness directives to ensure safe aviation practices.