AD/PITTS S-2/4 - Horizontal Stabiliser Leading Edge Support Tube - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B06249, were enacted to provide comprehensive safety standards for civil aviation operations within Australia. The specific legislative instrument, F2006B06249, pertains to the Pitts S-1 and S-2 Series Aeroplanes, aiming to address the safety concerns associated with the horizontal stabiliser leading edge support tube in the Pitts S-2A model with serial numbers between 2001 and 2030. This regulatory directive was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections and modifications of the horizontal stabiliser leading edge support tube to mitigate potential safety risks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, acting under the authority granted by the Australian Parliament, established this directive to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation operations. The policy objective behind this legislation is to ensure that the Pitts S-2A aircraft with specified serial numbers are maintained in a safe and reliable condition. This is achieved through the enforcement of mandatory inspection and modification requirements for the horizontal stabiliser leading edge support tube within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1973, as referenced in Pitts SB No. 6. This directive underscores the commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to uphold stringent safety measures and prevent any potential hazards that could compromise the safety of flight operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes, particularly those within the S-2A model range with serial numbers ranging from 2001 to 2030. This legislation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and mandates that these aircraft undergo a specific inspection and modification of the horizontal stabiliser leading edge support tube. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 August 1973, as referenced in Pitts SB No. 6. The legislation extends its reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard of airworthiness for these specific aircraft models within its jurisdiction. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in this particular directive; however, the broader Civil Aviation Regulations may contain provisions that might affect its application. This regulation may also be extended or refined through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/PITTS S-2/4, focus on the inspection and modification of the horizontal stabiliser leading edge support tube for the Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to model S-2A aeroplanes with serial numbers 2001 to 2030 (Section 39-105). The compliance requirement states that the specified inspection and modification must be carried out within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 31 August 1973 (Section 8/73). The directive references document Pitts SB No. 6, which presumably provides detailed instructions or guidance on how to carry out the required actions. The obligations imposed by these regulations are primarily on the owners and operators of the affected aeroplanes. They must ensure that the inspection and modification of the horizontal stabiliser leading edge support tube is conducted as per the specified timeframe and documentation. This involves scheduling the necessary maintenance or modifications in accordance with the stipulated hours of service and using the referenced document to guide the process. It is essential for operators to keep accurate records of when these inspections and modifications are carried out to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, the general legal framework under which these regulations operate implies that non-compliance could result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This might include fines, legal proceedings, or even the grounding of the aeroplane until the required actions are taken. The severity of the penalties would depend on the extent of non-compliance and any resulting safety risks. In extreme cases, where non-compliance leads to accidents or significant safety breaches, the consequences could be more severe, potentially involving criminal charges against responsible parties.