AD/TSA-600/25 Amdt 1 - Aft Horizontal/Vertical Stabiliser Attach Fitting - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the "Civil Aviation Regulations 1998" to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety and compliance with international standards. One aspect of this is the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes specific safety requirements for certain aircraft models. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aiming to maintain the highest possible safety standards in civil aviation. This legislative instrument addresses specific safety concerns identified in particular aircraft models, ensuring that operators adhere to necessary inspections and modifications to mitigate identified risks. For instance, AD/TSA-600/25 Amendment 1 pertains to the Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 series aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of aft horizontal and vertical stabiliser attach fittings to prevent the development of cracks. The policy objective of this regulation is to enhance aircraft safety by mandating regular inspections and necessary modifications, as illustrated in the directive concerning the Aerostar aeroplanes. By requiring inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of service, CASA aims to proactively identify and address potential structural issues before they compromise flight safety. This directive underscores the importance of adhering to manufacturer recommendations and maintaining rigorous oversight to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/TSA-600/25 Amendment 1, applies to all models 600, 601, and 601P of the Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 0001 to 0807. This regulation mandates that these aircraft undergo inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service to check for cracks along the upper and lower flanges of the aft spar fittings for the horizontal and vertical stabilisers. It is important to note that compliance with modifications as outlined in Part II of Piper Service Bulletin SB600-88A does not exempt the aircraft from this inspection requirement. The directive operates within the jurisdictional reach of the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105. The scope of this legislation is specifically tailored to ensure the ongoing airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models, and no exclusions or exemptions are stated in the provided text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandate that certain aeronautical products must adhere to particular safety standards. One such directive, AD/TSA-600/25 Amendment 1, pertains to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes, more precisely focusing on the aft horizontal/vertical stabiliser attach fitting (section 12/80). This directive applies to all models 600, 601, and 601P with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 0001 to 0807. The compliance requirement necessitates an inspection of these aeroplanes at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service, as documented in Piper Service Bulletin No. SB600-88A. It is important to note that any modifications in accordance with Part II of SB 600-88A do not exempt the aeroplanes from this inspection mandate. Under the regulations, the entities responsible for ensuring compliance with AD/TSA-600/25 Amendment 1 are primarily the aircraft operators and maintenance providers. They must conduct the required inspections within the stipulated intervals to maintain the airworthiness of the aeroplanes. The operators and maintenance providers must ensure that the inspection is performed meticulously, following the guidelines and procedures outlined in the Piper Service Bulletin No. SB600-88A. This includes identifying and addressing any cracks developing along the upper and lower flanges of the aft spar fittings for the horizontal and vertical stabilisers, which have been reported by the manufacturer. The documentation of these inspections and any remedial actions taken must be maintained in accordance with CASA requirements. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/TSA-600/25 Amendment 1 can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict obligations on operators and maintenance providers to adhere to these airworthiness directives. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions by CASA, including potential fines and sanctions against the operators and maintenance providers. The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations can be severe, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to safety standards in civil aviation. Operators and maintenance providers must therefore ensure strict adherence to the inspection intervals and procedures to avoid any regulatory or legal repercussions.