SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-24 Comanche · Airworthiness Directives
Overview
This document is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia concerning the Piper PA-24 Comanche series aeroplanes. Specifically, it addresses the stabilator torque tube bearing block attachment fitting, highlighting the need for inspections and potential modifications to ensure flight safety. The directive applies to specific models of the PA-24 series, including the PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, and PA-24-400, with serial numbers ranging from 24-1 to 24-5047 and 26-2 to 26-148 respectively. The document outlines compliance requirements, inspection procedures, and the background of the directive, which stems from incidents of looseness in the stabilator fittings that could lead to loss of pitch control. Pilots and maintenance personnel are advised to adhere to the outlined inspection intervals and corrective actions to maintain airworthiness.
- Models affected: PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, PA-24-400.
- Inspect stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings for looseness.
- If looseness is found, incorporate Piper Part No. 760 835.
- Initial compliance required within 100 hours after 15 September 1994.
- Reinspections required at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until corrective action is taken.
Document
Source
Originally published by services.casa.gov.au. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Airworthiness Directives
- Year
- 1994
- Pages
- 2
- File size
- 13 KB
- Publisher
- services.casa.gov.au
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In this document
Applicability
The directive applies to the Piper PA-24 series aeroplanes, specifically the PA-24-180, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, and PA-24-400 models. The applicable serial numbers for these models are 24-1 through 24-5047 for the first three models and 26-2 through 26-148 for the PA-24-400.
Inspection Requirements
The directive mandates an inspection of the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings for looseness. This involves removing the tailcone and rear aft fuselage access door, applying fore and aft, as well as up and down forces to the stabilator tip. If looseness is detected, corrective action must be taken by incorporating Piper Part No. 760 835.
Compliance Timeline
Compliance with the directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after September 15, 1994, unless the specified Piper Kit is installed. Additionally, reinspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the kit is installed.
Background
The directive was issued in response to incidents where looseness in the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings was reported, which could potentially lead to loss of pitch control. The amendment aligns the directive with a new FAA AD that specifies reinspection and terminating action criteria.
Safety notes
- Looseness in stabilator fittings can lead to loss of pitch control.
- Timely compliance with inspections is critical for flight safety.
Full document text
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes AD/PA-24/33 Amdt 3 Stabilator Torque Tube Bearing Block Attachment Fitting 10/94 Applicability: Model Serial Numbers PA24-180, PA24-250, and PA24-260 24-1 through 24-5047 PA24-400 26-2 through 26-148 Requirement: 1. Inspect the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings for looseness by accomplishing the following: a. Remove the tailcone and rear aft fuselage access door. b. Grasp the stabilator tip and exert a fore and aft force and then an up and down force. c. If looseness is found during the inspection specified above, incorporate Piper Part No. 760 835 (Hi-Shear Rivet Replacement Kit) on the affected fitting. d. Reinstall the tailcone and right rear aft fuselage access door. 2. Reinspect all stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings on which Piper Kit Part No 760 835 has not been incorporated; in accordance with Requirement 1 of this Directive. Note 1: Incorporating Piper Kit Part No. 760 835 on all four stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements of this Directive. Note 2: FAA AD 94-13-10 Amdt 39-8951 and Piper SB 411A refer. Compliance: 1. Within 100 hours time in service after 15 September 1994, unless Piper Kit Part No. 760 835 is incorporated on all four stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings. 2. At intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service, until Piper Kit Part No. 760 835 is incorporated on all four stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings. The compliance of the previous issue of this Directive was “at intervals not exceeding 300 hours time in service”. This amendment is effective from 15 September 1994. Background: Incidents of looseness of the stabilator torque tube bearing support fittings prompted the issue of this Directive. The actions specified are intended to prevent the loss of pitch control because of looseness of the fittings. Amendment 3 is issued to align this Directive with the issue of a new FAA AD which specifies reinspection and terminating action criteria. COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES