Piper PA-38 Tomahawk — Airworthiness Directives

This document is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia concerning the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk series aeroplanes. It specifically addresses the inspection requirements for the aft vertical fin spar of the aircraft. The directive is aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the PA-38-112 models within a specified serial number range. The document outlines the compliance requirements, including inspection intervals and methods, to mitigate the risk of structural failure due to cracks in the aft vertical fin spar. This AD is particularly relevant for aircraft operators and maintenance personnel responsible for the upkeep of the PA-38 Tomahawk.

• Applies to all Piper PA-38-112 models with S/N 38-78A0001 to 38-80A0198.
• Inspect aft vertical fin spar P/N 77601-02 for cracks using dye penetrant method.
• Inspection interval: not exceeding 200 hours time in service.
• Compliance with the original AD meets Amendment 1 requirements.
• Amendment 1 effective date: 18 December 2008.