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Airworthiness Directive Schedule Aeroplanes Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub)

Piper PA-18 Super Cub · Airworthiness Directives

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Overview

This document is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) schedule specifically for the Piper PA-18 series aircraft, including variants such as the PA-18-150, PA-18A-150, and L-18C. Issued by the CAA of New Zealand on February 27, 2025, it outlines mandatory modifications and inspections required to maintain airworthiness for these aircraft. The directives are applicable to various serial numbers and include compliance deadlines, ensuring that all aircraft meet safety standards. The document serves as a crucial reference for aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to address potential safety issues that may arise in the operation of these aircraft.

  • The document applies to Piper PA-18 series aircraft, including PA-18-150 and PA-18A-150.
  • Mandatory modifications and inspections are outlined for various components, including fuel lines and control systems.
  • Compliance deadlines range from 1956 to 2025, indicating the historical context of some directives.
  • Specific serial numbers are applicable for each directive, emphasizing the need for precise identification of aircraft.
  • Safety modifications are crucial for maintaining airworthiness and preventing accidents.

Document

Source

Originally published by www.aviation.govt.nz. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.

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Document details

Type
Airworthiness Directives
Year
2025
Pages
7
File size
174 KB
Publisher
www.aviation.govt.nz
How rare is it?
8Piper PA-18 Super Cub registered worldwide · 1 active

Common. Rarer than 8% of the aircraft models we track.

Documentation completeness
6/7

Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Piper PA-18 Super Cub.

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In this document

Fuel and Hydraulic Lines - Modification

This directive applies to all PA-18 models with serial numbers 18-1 through 18-3000. It requires modifications to fuel and hydraulic lines as specified in Piper Service Letter (SL). Compliance is mandated by November 30, 1956.

Fuel Tank Caps - Modification

Applicable to PA-18A models with specific serial numbers (18-5189 through 18-5412, 18-5416 through 18-5419) and all L21B's (18-4011 through 18-4042). This modification must be completed by December 31, 1956, as per Piper Service Bulletin 148A.

Front Rudder Pedals - Modification

This modification is required for all PA-18 models used in agricultural operations. Compliance must be achieved within the next 50 hours of flight time, effective March 31, 1957.

Fuel Cock Guard - Modification

All PA-18 models used in agricultural operations must incorporate this modification by September 1, 1958, as specified in Airwork Mod AW 286.

Fuel Strainer - Inspection

All PA-18 series aircraft fitted with specific fuel strainers must undergo an inspection of the wire bail assembly at the fuel strainer bowl. This inspection is required every periodic inspection.

Control Stick - Security - Modification

This modification applies to PA-18 models with specific serial numbers listed in SL 162. Compliance is required by the Certificate of Airworthiness effective November 30, 1957.

Fuselage Front LG Fittings - Inspection

To prevent landing gear collapse, all PA-18 series aircraft must inspect specific fittings for cracks at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of flight time, effective November 30, 1961.

Battery Box Lid - Modification

All PA-18 models used for freight must modify the battery box lid to prevent electrical short circuits. Compliance is required by June 30, 1967.

Safety notes

  • Inspect fuel strainers regularly to prevent fuel system failures.
  • Ensure compliance with modifications to avoid operational hazards in agricultural use.

Full document text

Issued 27 February 2025 Page 1 of 7 CAA of NZ Airworthiness Directive Schedule Aeroplanes Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub) 27 February 2025 Notes: 1. This AD schedule is applicable to Piper PA-18, PA-18-150, PA-18A-150 and L-18C series aircraft manufactured under FAA TC No. 1A2, and Piper PA-18A-135 aircraft manufactured under FAA TC No. AR-7. 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the National Airworthiness Authority (NAA) responsible for the issue of State of Design Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for these aircraft. State of Design ADs can be obtained directly from the FAA website at: Dynamic Regulatory System (faa.gov) 3. The date above indicates the amendment date of this schedule. 4. New or amended ADs are shown with an asterisk * Contents DCA/PA18/3 Fuel and Hydraulic Lines - Modification ............................................................................ 2 DCA/PA18/8 Fuel Tank Caps - Modification .......................................................................................... 2 DCA/PA18/10 Front Rudder Pedals - Modification ................................................................................... 2 DCA/PA18/11 Fuel Cock Guard - Modification ......................................................................................... 2 DCA/PA18/12 Fuel Strainer Guard - Modification .................................................................................... 2 DCA/PA18/13 Rear Wall of Hopper - Modification ................................................................................... 2 DCA/PA18/14 Vacuum Pump Splined Coupling - Replacement .............................................................. 3 DCA/PA18/15 Fuel Strainer - Inspection .................................................................................................. 3 DCA/PA18/16 Cancelled - Purpose Fulfilled ............................................................................................ 3 DCA/PA18/18 Control Stick - Security - Modification ............................................................................... 3 DCA/PA18/19 Stabiliser Adjustment Screw - Inspection .......................................................................... 3 DCA/PA18/21 Cancelled – Purpose Fulfilled ........................................................................................... 3 DCA/PA18/22 Cancelled – FAA AD 60-10-08 refers ................................................................................ 3 DCA/PA18/23 Fuselage Front LG Fittings - Inspection ............................................................................ 4 DCA/PA18/24 Rudder Pedal Assembly - Weld - Inspection ..................................................................... 4 DCA/PA18/25 Elevator Lower Cable Attachment Horn - Inspection......................................................... 4 DCA/PA18/26 Rudder Pedal Bottom Cross Tube - Inspection ................................................................. 4 DCA/PA18/118 Battery Box Lid - Modification ........................................................................................... 4 DCA/PA18/119 Safety Harness Installation - Modification ......................................................................... 5 DCA/PA18/120E Cancelled – FAA AD 99-01-05R1 refers ........................................................................... 5 DCA/PA18/121 Wing Fuel Tank Cap - Inspection & Modification .............................................................. 5 DCA/PA18/122 Cancelled - Purpose Fulfilled ............................................................................................ 5 The State of Design ADs listed below are available directly from the National Airworthiness Authority (NAA) websites. Links to NAA websites are available on the CAA website at: Links to state of design airworthiness directives | aviation.govt.nz If additional NZ ADs need to be issued when an unsafe condition is found to exist in an aircraft or aeronautical product in NZ, they will be added to the list below. ....... 6 60-10-08 Fuel Selector Valve – Inspection ....................................................................................... 6 99-01-05R1 Cancelled – FAA AD 2015-08-04 refers ............................................................................ 6 68-05-01 Exhaust Mufflers – Inspection ........................................................................................... 6 2015-08-04 Wing Lift Struts and Forks – Inspection............................................................................. 6 81-06-08 Lower Fuselage Attachment Tab – Inspection .................................................................. 6 * 2025-02-11 Rudder Post – Inspection .................................................................................................. 7 Aeroplanes Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub) Issued 27 February 2025 Page 2 of 7 CAA of NZ DCA/PA18/3 Fuel and Hydraulic Lines - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 S/N 18-1 through 18-3000 Requirement: Piper SL (FAA AD 53-24-4 also refers) Compliance: By 30 November 1956 DCA/PA18/8 Fuel Tank Caps - Modification Applicability: Model PA-18A S/N 18-5189 through 18-5412, 18-5416 through 18-5419 and all L21B's 18-4011 through 18-4042 Requirement: Piper SB 148A Compliance: By 31 December 1956 DCA/PA18/10 Front Rudder Pedals - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 used on agricultural operations Requirement: Airwork Mod AW 276 or approved equivalent Compliance: Within the next 50 hours TIS Effective Date: 31 March 1957 DCA/PA18/11 Fuel Cock Guard - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 used on agricultural operations Requirement: Airwork Mod AW 286 Compliance: By 1 September 1958 DCA/PA18/12 Fuel Strainer Guard - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 used on agricultural operations Requirement: Airwork Mod AW 321 Compliance: By 1 September 1958

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DCA/PA18/13 Rear Wall of Hopper - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 equipped with a hopper Requirement: 1. The original Piper hopper installation (Drg No. 13546) and some locally manufactured hoppers have inadequate slope on the rear wall for the effective discharge of some solid agricultural materials, particularly if the aeroplane is in a climbing attitude. The jettison is then not reliable and there is also a danger of residual load remaining undetected and leading to involuntary overloading with a CG position beyond the aft limit. 2. All hoppers used for the spreading of solid agricultural materials shall have rear walls sloping over their full length at a minimum angle of 60° to the horizontal when the aeroplane is in the level weighing attitude. 3. Pending embodiment of the modification the maximum weight of the aeroplane when operating in the Agricultural Category shall be restricted to 1,820 lb. A placard to this effect is to be displayed in the pilot's cockpit. 4. When this modification has been embodied the aeroplane is again eligible for a maximum weight of 2,070 lb in the Agricultural Category. Compliance: By 1 January 1959 Aeroplanes Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub) Issued 27 February 2025 Page 3 of 7 CAA of NZ DCA/PA18/14 Vacuum Pump Splined Coupling - Replacement Applicability: All model PA-18 with couplings listed in SB 218 Requirement: Piper SB 218 Compliance: As detailed Effective Date: 28 February 1964 DCA/PA18/15 Fuel Strainer - Inspection Applicability: All model PA-18 Requirement: On all Piper PA-18 series aircraft fitted with fuel strainers having the wire bail assembly P/N 494-644. Examine the wipe bail assembly at the bowl of the fuel strainer. Check that the threaded adjusting stud is securely welded or otherwise properly attached to the wire stirrup. This inspection may be discontinued after incorporation of a modification approved for the purpose. Compliance: Every periodic inspection Effective Date: 30 September 1957 DCA/PA18/16 Cancelled - Purpose Fulfilled DCA/PA18/18 Control Stick - Security - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 with S/N listed in SL 162 Requirement: Piper SL 162 Compliance: C of A Effective Date: 30 November 1957 DCA/PA18/19 Stabiliser Adjustment Screw - Inspection Applicability: All model PA-18 Requirement: Cases have occurred where the stabiliser adjustment screw has failed, with subsequent malfunctioning of the stabiliser trim control. The following inspection shall be carried out: Examine the stabiliser adjustment screw, P/N 42961-02, for cracks or fractures. Defective screws must be renewed. Compliance: Every periodic inspection Effective Date: 31 August 1958 DCA/PA18/21 Cancelled – Purpose Fulfilled DCA/PA18/22 Cancelled – FAA AD 60-10-08 refers Effective Date: 19 December 2013 Aeroplanes Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub) Issued 27 February 2025 Page 4 of 7 CAA of NZ DCA/PA18/23 Fuselage Front LG Fittings - Inspection Applicability: All model PA-18 series Requirement: To prevent possible LG collapse, inspect fittings P/N 21272-02 and -03 for cracks. Repair defective installations before further flight Compliance: At intervals not exceeding 100 hours TIS Effective Date: 30 November 1961 DCA/PA18/24 Rudder Pedal Assembly - Weld - Inspection Applicability: Model PA-18 S/N 18-1 through 18-7768 Requirement: Piper SB 207A Compliance: Every periodic inspection Effective Date: 31 August 1962 DCA/PA18/25 Elevator Lower Cable Attachment Horn - Inspection Applicability: All model PA-18 Requirement: Cases have occurred of cracking of the elevator lower cable attachment horn, these cracks have been found to extend from the front edge of the horn, just below the flange towards the lower lightening hole. The elevator lower cable attachment horn is to be inspected for cracks particularly at the lower end below the flange. Compliance: Every 100 hours TIS Effective Date: 28 February 1964 DCA/PA18/26 Rudder Pedal Bottom Cross Tube - Inspection Applicability: All model PA-18 used on agricultural operations not incorporating Airwork Mod AW 277 Requirement: The bottom cross tubes of Rudder Pedals P/N 40842-04 and 40842-05 are to be inspected for abrasion caused by the pedal return spring P/N 40941-00. Compliance: Every 1000 hours TIS Effective Date: 18 February 1957 Note: This requirement was previously a Special Inspection numbered CAA/PA18/14. To avoid confusion with the modification of the same number it has now been renumbered. DCA/PA18/118 Battery Box Lid - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 used for the carriage of freight Requirement: A case has occurred where the battery box of a Piper PA-18 was made electrically "live" due to the deformation of its lid by the weight of cargo placed upon it. The following modifications are required to prevent recurrence. 1. The battery box lid shall be suitably lined with insulating material to prevent short circuiting of the battery terminals should deformation of the lid occur. 2. The top surface of the battery box lid shall be placarded "WARNING - NO LOAD TO BE PLACED ON LID". Compliance: By 30 June 1967 Aeroplanes Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub) Issued 27 February 2025 Page 5 of 7 CAA of NZ DCA/PA18/119 Safety Harness Installation - Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 Requirement: Front and Rear seats shall each be fitted with an approved safety harness installation. Compliance: By 31 May 1975 DCA/PA18/120E Cancelled – FAA AD 99-01-05R1 refers Effective Date: 14 January 2014 DCA/PA18/121 Wing Fuel Tank Cap - Inspection & Modification Applicability: All model PA-18 series with fuel tank cap P/N 15296-02 or 60707-02 Requirement: Piper SB 573 Compliance: Within the next 50 hours TIS Effective Date: 31 March 1978 DCA/PA18/122 Cancelled - Purpose Fulfilled NZCAR, Part III Leaflets B.11-5, B.11-6, B.11-8, B.11-9, B.11-13, B.11-17 and B.11-25 are hereby cancelled Aeroplanes Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub) Issued 27 February 2025 Page 6 of 7 CAA of NZ The State of Design ADs listed below are available directly from the National Airworthiness Authority (NAA) websites. Links to NAA websites are available on the CAA website at: Links to state of design airworthiness directives | aviation.govt.nz If additional NZ ADs need to be issued when an unsafe condition is found to exist in an aircraft or aeronautical product in NZ, they will be added to the list below. 60-10-08 Fuel Selector Valve – Inspection Applicability: Piper PA-18 series aircraft, all S/N fitted with two wing tanks. Note: Piper SB 141 dated 4 October 1955 has been superseded by Piper SB 354B dated 19 May 1982 to introduce new replacement P/N parts. Effective Date: 19 December 2013 99-01-05R1 Cancelled – FAA AD 2015-08-04 refers Effective Date: 3 June 2015 68-05-01 Exhaust Mufflers – Inspection Applicability: Piper PA-18 series aircraft, all S/N. Effective Date: 31 March 1968 2015-08-04 Wing Lift Struts and Forks – Inspection Note 1: FAA AD 2015-08-04 retains all the requirements in superseded FAA AD 99-01-05R1 and expands the AD applicability to include additional aircraft models. FAA AD 99-01-05R1 superseded FAA AD 99-01-05, DCA/J3/5B, DCA/PA18/120E, DCA/PA22/127D and DCA/PA25/121F. For aircraft already in compliance with the cancelled ADs, compliance with FAA AD 2015-08-04 is required at the next inspection required by the cancelled ADs. An inspection method accomplished in accordance with Radiographic Technique 57- 20-01 Rev 1 may be used as an alternate to the two inspection methods defined in paragraph (h)(1) and (h)(2) of FAA AD 2015-08-04. If the radiographic technique is used, inspect at intervals not to exceed 4 years. Note 2: Radiographic Technique 57-20-01 Rev 1 is available on the CAA AD webpage titled: Documents incorporated by reference in AD schedules. Refer: Documents incorporated by reference in AD schedules | aviation.govt.nz Effective Date: 3 June 2015 81-06-08 Lower Fuselage Attachment Tab – Inspection Applicability: Piper PA-18-150 aircraft, S/N 18-8602 through to 18-8109013. Note: Piper SB 706, dated 23 February 1982, or later approved revision pertains to the subject of this AD. Compliance: Initial compliance required before the issue of a New Zealand Certificate of Airworthiness, or at the next Review of Airworthiness (RA), whichever is the sooner, unless previously accomplished. Repetitive inspections, if required, are to be accomplished at intervals not to exceed the times specified in the FAA AD. Effective Date: 25 January 2018 Piper PA-18 Series (Super Cub) Issued 27 February 2025 Page 7 of 7 CAA of NZ * 2025-02-11 Rudder Post – Inspection Applicability: Piper PA-18, PA-18S, PA-18 “105” (Special), PA-18S “105” (Special), PA-18A, PA-18 “125” (Army L-21A), PA-18S “125”, PA-18AS “125”, PA-18 “135” (Army L-21B), PA- 18A “135”, PA-18S “135”, PA-18AS “135”, PA-18 “150”, PA-18A “150”, PA-18S “150” and PA-18AS “150, PA-18A (Restricted), PA-18A “135” (Restricted), PA-18A “150” (Restricted)”, all S/N, that are not fitted with a rudder having a rudder post made from 4130N low alloy steel. Effective Date: 20 March 2025