AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk · Airworthiness Directives
Overview
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.
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
- 2008
- Pages
- 1
- File size
- 14 KB
- Publisher
- services.casa.gov.au
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
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- Airworthiness Directive ScheduleService Bulletins
- AAIB Bulletin: 7/2009 G-RVRG EW/C2008/07/03Other Documents
- SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1200Maintenance Manual
- AAIB Bulletin: 9/2009 G-BOLF EW/C2008/10/03Other Documents
- AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE AD/PA-38/21 Amdt 1Service Bulletins
- AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE AD/PA-38/16 Amdt 2Service Bulletins
- AAIB Bulletin: 9/2007 G-OLFC EW/G2007/06/14Other Documents
In this document
Applicability
The Airworthiness Directive applies to all Piper PA-38-112 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-80A0198 that have not been modified to include the new design of aft vertical fin spar assembly, upper rudder hinge shim, and fuselage bulkhead assembly.
Requirement
Operators are required to inspect the aft vertical fin spar, part number 77601-02, for cracks. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 745 Part IV, utilizing a dye penetrant method or an equivalent inspection technique.
Compliance
The inspection must be performed at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. Compliance with the original issue of this directive is considered sufficient to meet the requirements of Amendment 1.
Background
The directive was issued following testing by the aircraft manufacturer, which indicated that cracks could develop in the aft vertical fin spar and bulkhead. The amendment aligns the directive with a corresponding USA AD to clarify the applicability of the inspection.
Safety notes
- Cracks may develop in the aft vertical fin spar and bulkhead, posing a safety risk.
Full document text
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Page 1 of 1 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-38/22 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section. Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes AD/PA-38/22 Amdt 1 Aft Vertical Fin Spar - Inspection 13/2008 Applicability: All model PA-38-112 with S/Nos. 38-78A0001 to 38-80A0198 which do not incorporate aft vertical fin spar assembly P/N 77601-16, upper rudder hinge shim P/N 85606-02, and fuselage bulkhead assembly P/N 85615-02. Requirement: Inspect the aft vertical fin spar P/N 77601-02 for cracks in accordance with Piper SB No. 745 Part IV using a dye penetrant method or equivalent. Note: USA AD 82-27-08 (a)(3) refers. Compliance: At intervals not exceeding 200 hours time in service. Compliance with the original issue of this Directive constitutes compliance with Amendment 1. This Amendment becomes effective on 18 December 2008. Background: Testing by the aircraft manufacturer has revealed that cracks may develop in the aft vertical fin spar and bulkhead. Amendment 1 aligns the AD with USA AD 82-27-08 (a)(3) to clarify that this periodic inspection is not applicable to aircraft which have been modified by incorporation of the new design of aft vertical fin spar assembly, upper rudder hinge shim and fuselage bulkhead assembly. David Villiers Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 29 October 2008