AD/PITTS S-2/6 Amdt 1 - Upper Wing Front Spar to Cabane Fitting - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the need for stringent safety measures in the operation of certain aircraft models. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft by issuing detailed directives for specific models. One such directive pertains to Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes, with Amendment 1 focusing on the upper wing front spar to cabane fitting inspection. This regulation was introduced to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity in these aircraft models. The policy objective is to enhance safety by requiring regular and thorough inspections of critical components, thereby reducing the likelihood of in-flight failures. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) mandates inspections for all model S-1S and S-2A aircraft, focusing on the upper wing front spar to cabane fitting. The directive requires the removal of paint and fabric on specific fittings for a detailed inspection, utilising either a 10X hand lens or dye penetrant method as per Civil Aviation Order 108.10. The objective is to ensure that the fittings are free from defects, particularly in the area above the AN5 bolt at the lower end of the fitting. Compliance with this directive is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft, with initial inspections required within specific timeframes post-manufacture or service hours and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours or one year. This regulation underscores CASA's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an amendment directive concerning the airworthiness of Pitts S-1 and S-2 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all model S-1S and S-2A aircraft, mandating that these aircraft must undergo a specific inspection of the upper wing front spar to cabane fitting, focusing particularly on the area above the AN5 bolt. The directive requires the removal of paint and fabric for inspection, which can be conducted using either a 10X hand lens or the dye penetrant method as specified in CAO 108.10, with subsequent re-finishing of the exposed bare metal surfaces. Compliance with this directive is necessary for S-1S models before they reach 25 hours of time in service after 27 April 1995 or before 20 July 1995, whichever comes first, and for the original S-2A model before they reach 25 hours of time in service after 14 January 1974. Following the initial inspection, repeat inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service or once per year, whichever comes first. This amendment extends the initial applicability of the directive to include the S-1S model and introduces a calendar year interval for repeat inspections, providing clarity on acceptable inspection methods.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically in the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the inspection requirements for the Pitts S-1 and S-2 Series aeroplanes. The amendment in question (AD/PITTS S-2/6Amdt 1) focuses on the upper wing front spar to cabane fitting inspection for both S-1S and S-2A models. It requires the removal of paint and fabric below the wing's lower surface contour, excluding the AN5 bolt, followed by an inspection using either a 10X hand lens or dye penetrant method as per CAO 108.10. The inspection must focus on the front and rear faces of the upper wing front spar to cabane fitting, particularly around the area above the AN5 bolt at the lower end of the fitting. After inspection, re-finishing of the exposed bare metal surfaces is mandated. The regulations impose several obligations on the parties involved. For S-1S models, an initial inspection is required before 25 hours of time in service following 27 April 1995, or before 20 July 1995, whichever comes first. For the S-2A model, the initial inspection must occur before 25 hours of time in service following 14 January 1974. Additionally, re-inspections are necessary at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service or 1 year, whichever comes first. This ensures ongoing airworthiness and safety compliance for these aircraft models. Non-compliance with the specified inspection requirements can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may impose civil penalties for breaches, including fines up to the maximum prescribed under the regulations, as well as potential criminal charges for more serious infractions. These penalties are designed to enforce adherence to the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation.