{"id":"F2007L01096","name":"AD/CASA/27 Amdt 2 - Centre Wing Lower Skin","slug":"ad-casa-27-amdt-2-centre-wing-lower-skin","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":65097,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2007L01096-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Casa 212 Series Aeroplanes","sectionType":"division","heading":"Casa 212 Series Aeroplanes","content":"### Casa 212 Series Aeroplanes\n\n| AD/CASA/27 Amdt 2 | Centre Wing Lower Skin | 6/2007 DM |\n| ----------------- | ---------------------- | --------- |\n\n| Applicability: | All Model C-212 series aircraft. |\n| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Requirement: | 1. Model C-212 series aircraft used for operations other than commercial transport (including but not limited to Maritime Patrol operations or other similar low altitude operations):a. For aircraft that have accumulated more than 8,000 flight hours or 3,600 landings at the effective date of this Directive:Perform a Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) in accordance with C-212 Supplemental Inspection Procedures (SIP) C-212-PV-02-SIP document Section 57-10-03, unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 original issue, or Amdt 1.Perform Non Destructive Inspection in accordance with the “Complementary inspection” procedure of C-212 Supplemental Inspection ProceduresC-212-PV-02-SIP document Section 57-10-03, sequence 2 as defined in Annex 1 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007; unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1.Perform a High Frequency Eddy Current Inspection as defined in Annex 3 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007, unless the non destructive inspections required by AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1 are already accomplished.b. For aircraft that have accumulated more than 5,600 flight hours or 2,400 landings at the effective date of this Directive:Perform a Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) in accordance with C-212 Supplemental Inspection Procedures (SIP) C-212-PV-01-SIP document Section 57-10-03, unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 original issue, or Amdt 1. |\n\n| | Perform Non Destructive Inspection in accordance with the “Complementary inspection” procedure of C-212 Supplemental Inspection ProceduresC-212-PV-02-SIP document Section 57-10-03, sequence 2 as defined in Annex 1 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007; unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1.Perform a High Frequency Eddy Current Inspection as defined in Annex 3 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007, unless the non destructive inspections required by AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1 are already accomplished.2. Model C-212 series aircraft used in commercial transport operations.a. For aircraft that have accumulated more than 15,000 flight hours or 15,000 landings at the effective date of this Directive:Perform a Non Destructive Inspection in accordance with C-212 Supplemental Inspection Procedures C-212-PV-02-SIP document Section 57-10-03 unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 original issue, or Amdt 1.Perform Non Destructive Inspection in accordance with the “Complementary inspection” procedure of C-212 Supplemental Inspection ProceduresC-212-PV-02-SIP document Section 57-10-03, sequence 2 as defined in Annex 1 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007; unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1.Perform a High Frequency Eddy Current Inspection as defined in Annex 3 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007, unless the non destructive inspections required by AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1 are already accomplished.b. For aircraft that have accumulated more than 10,000 flight hours or 10,000 landings at the effective date of this Directive:Perform a Non Destructive Inspection in accordance with C-212 Supplemental Inspection Procedures C-212-PV-02-SIP document Section 57-10-03 unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 original issue, or Amdt 1.Perform Non Destructive Inspection in accordance with the “Complementary inspection” procedure of C-212 Supplemental Inspection ProceduresC-212-PV-02-SIP document Section 57-10-03, sequence 2 as defined in Annex 1 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007; unless already accomplished in accordance with AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1. |\n| --- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n\n| | Perform a High Frequency Eddy Current Inspection as defined in Annex 3 of EADS-CASA AOL 212-018, revision 2, dated 20 March 2007, unless the non destructive inspections required by AD/CASA/27 Amdt 1 are already accomplished.A ferry flight with minimum crew is permitted in order to position the aircraft to where appropriate inspection facilities are located.If a crack or loose rivet is detected during any inspection, before further flight, a detailed report shall be sent to EADS-CASA for evaluation.The results of all inspections shall be sent to EADS-CASA.Note: EASA Emergency AD 2007-0108-E refers. |\n| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Compliance: | 1.a. Before further flight. Repeat the inspections before accumulating 600 flight hours or 250 landings, whichever occurs first, from the first inspections. Inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours or 250 landings, whichever occurs first.1.b. Within 200 flight hours or 100 landings after 23 April 2007, whichever occurs first. Repeat the inspections before reaching a threshold of 8,000 flight hours or 3,600 landings, whichever occurs first. Inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours or 250 landings, whichever occurs first.2.a. Before further flight. Repeat the inspections before accumulating 4,500 flight hours or 4,500 landings, whichever occurs first, from the first inspections. Inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight hours or 4,500 landings, whichever occurs first.2.b. Within 200 flight hours or 100 landings after 23 April 2007, whichever occurs first. Repeat the inspections before reaching a threshold of 15,000 flight hours or 15,000 landings, whichever occurs first. Inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles or 4,500 landings, whichever occurs first. |\n| | This Amendment becomes effective on 23 April 2007. |\n| Background: | Initial investigation of a recent C-212 Maritime Patrol aircraft accident has revealed cracks in the centre wing lower skin at STA Y=1030. The aircraft had accumulated 17,000 flight hours and 7,300 flight cycles. Fatigue cracking is suspected to be the cause.The suspect element is identified in document C-212-PV-02-SID as a Principal Structural Element with No. 57.212.06 and an inspection threshold of 20,000 landings. |\n\n| | Spain AD 02/88 Revision 3 (AD/CASA/1 Amdt 5) remains valid and relevant inspections have to be performed in addition to the requirements of this Directive.Undetected fatigue cracking could lead to reduced structural integrity of the aircraft.Amendment 1 required a revised inspection procedure and the inclusion of aircraft not previously affected.Amendment 2 is issued in response to a new EASA AD, which introduces a High Frequency Eddy Current procedure, as an additional inspection to detect cracks with higher reliability. |\n| --- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n\n![](image.001.png) \nDavid Villiers \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n19 April 2007","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/CASA/27 Amdt 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/CASA/27 Amdt 2","content":"## AD/CASA/27 Amdt 2","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Centre Wing Lower Skin","sectionType":"part","heading":"Centre Wing Lower Skin","content":"## Centre Wing Lower Skin","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"6/2007 DM","sectionType":"part","heading":"6/2007 DM","content":"## 6/2007 DM","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The original directive (implied by Amendment 1 reference) appears to have covered fewer aircraft or less rigorous inspections. Amendment 2 explicitly expands scope in two ways: (1) it adds the High Frequency Eddy Current Inspection as a mandatory additional procedure for higher reliability crack detection, and (2) the background notes that Amendment 1 already 'included aircraft not previously affected,' suggesting progressive expansion. The current version creates a complex tiered system with different thresholds for commercial vs. non-commercial operations that likely didn't exist in the original issue."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested conditional categories: aircraft type splits first by operation type (commercial vs. non-commercial), then by accumulated flight hours/landings thresholds (4 distinct sub-categories)","Extensive cross-referencing to external technical documents: C-212-PV-02-SIP, C-212-PV-01-SIP, EADS-CASA AOL 212-018 (with specific revision dates and annex references)","Layered compliance deadlines with 'whichever occurs first' logic applied to flight hours vs. landings vs. calendar dates","Exception clauses ('unless already accomplished') referencing previous versions of the same directive (original issue and Amendment 1)","Dual-unit measurement system requiring operators to track both flight hours AND landings simultaneously for compliance calculations","Implicit dependency on Spanish aviation directive AD 02/88 Revision 3 which 'remains valid' creating parallel compliance obligations"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of CASA C‑212 series aircraft to carry out mandatory inspections of the centre wing lower skin after a fatigue‑crack–related crash. It affects all C‑212s but imposes tougher, earlier inspection timing on high‑usage roles (maritime patrol, surveillance, frequent landings) versus commercial transport. Aircraft with detected cracks must be grounded until EADS‑CASA approves repairs; recurring inspections are mandated to prevent catastrophic failure."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This amendment expands and refines the original directive's scope. Compared with the original Structural Inspection Document threshold (noted in Background as 20,000 landings), the Amendment lowers effective inspection triggers for many aircraft by introducing multiple lower flight‑hour/landing bands and by explicitly covering aircraft used in non‑commercial operations (such as maritime patrol). It also mandates an additional inspection method (HFEC) introduced by the EASA AD and requires routine reporting of all inspection results to EADS‑CASA. Amendment 1 had already broadened applicability; Amendment 2 further broadens inspection methods and tightens detection requirements, increasing the number of aircraft and situations in which inspections and associated costs are required."},"complexity_factors":["Separate operational categories (non‑commercial including maritime patrol vs commercial transport) with distinct trigger thresholds and intervals","Multiple trigger bands (e.g. >8,000 hrs/3,600 landings; >5,600 hrs/2,400 landings; >15,000 hrs/15,000 landings; >10,000 hrs/10,000 landings)","Three distinct inspection types required or referenced (NDI per SIP, a \"complementary\" NDI sequence, and High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC))","Cross‑references to several external technical documents (C‑212‑PV‑01/02‑SIP, EADS‑CASA AOL 212‑018 revision 2, EADS‑CASA SID identification) and to an EASA Emergency AD","Conditional compliance timing rules (immediate 'before further flight' for some bands, within 200 flight hours/100 landings for others) and differing repeat intervals (600 flight hours/250 landings vs 4,500 flight hours/landings)","Reporting and post‑defect procedures (mandatory reporting to EADS‑CASA and prohibition on further flight until evaluation)","A ferry‑flight exception (limited and conditional)","Technical terms and procedures requiring specialist capability (HFEC), increasing operational coordination complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Directive does (mechanical changes first)**\n\n- It requires operators of all CASA C-212 (also called Casa 212) aeroplanes to carry out specific inspections of the centre wing lower skin. The inspections include Non‑Destructive Inspections (NDI), a complementary NDI sequence, and a High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) inspection (Requirement section; references to C-212 SIP and EADS‑CASA documents).\n- The inspections are required on different timetables depending on whether the aircraft is used for commercial transport or other operations (for example, maritime patrol). There are separate flight‑hours and landing (flight‑cycle) thresholds that trigger the inspections (Requirement 1 and 2).\n- If an inspection finds a crack or a loose rivet, the operator must not fly the aircraft further until EADS‑CASA has been sent a detailed report for evaluation. All inspection results must be sent to EADS‑CASA (Requirement).\n- A ferry flight with minimum crew is permitted solely to move an aircraft to an appropriate inspection facility (Requirement).\n\n**Who is affected**\n\n- Aircraft owners/operators and maintenance organisations that operate or maintain Model C‑212 series aeroplanes in Australia (Applicability).\n- Operators of C‑212s used for non‑commercial operations (including maritime patrol) and operators of C‑212s used for commercial transport — each group has different inspection thresholds and repeat intervals (Requirement 1 and 2).\n- Maintenance providers capable of performing the specified NDI and HFEC inspections; EADS‑CASA receives reports and evaluates defect findings.\n\n**What the operator must do, simply stated**\n\n- Check whether the aircraft has exceeded the applicable flight‑hour or landing threshold set for its operational category. If yes, perform the prescribed inspections using the specified C‑212 SIP procedures and EADS‑CASA annexes (Requirement 1.a/b and 2.a/b).\n- If inspections are clean, repeat them at the stated intervals (see Compliance timing below). If a crack or loose rivet is found, send a detailed report to EADS‑CASA and do not fly the aircraft further until evaluated (Requirement).\n- Send the results of all inspections to EADS‑CASA (Requirement).\n\n**Key compliance timings (how quickly inspections must be done and how often repeated)**\n\n- For higher‑risk cases (e.g. non‑commercial aircraft already above 8,000 flight hours or 3,600 landings; commercial aircraft above 15,000 flight hours/landings): initial inspection \"before further flight\" and then repeat at intervals of no more than 600 flight hours or 250 landings (non‑commercial) or 4,500 flight hours/landings (commercial) depending on the band (Compliance section).\n- For aircraft below the higher thresholds but above lower trigger points (for example 5,600 hours/2,400 landings for non‑commercial; 10,000 hours/10,000 landings for commercial), the inspections must be done within 200 flight hours or 100 landings after 23 April 2007, and repeated before reaching the next threshold; thereafter at specified intervals (Compliance section).\n\n**Why this was introduced (stated rationale and how it relates to the requirements)**\n\n- The Directive follows an investigation of a C‑212 maritime patrol accident in which cracks were found in the centre wing lower skin on a high‑time aircraft; fatigue cracking is suspected (Background). The aircraft element is identified as a Principal Structural Element in the aircraft SIP with a previously higher inspection threshold in the structural inspection document.\n- The Directive implements additional inspection methods (HFEC) and tighter requirements introduced by an EASA Emergency AD and by EADS‑CASA documentation. The stated purpose is to detect fatigue cracking earlier and with higher reliability (Background).\n\n**Who pays, who decides, and what behaviour changes**\n\n- Aircraft operators pay for the inspections, any repair work, and the aircraft downtime required to perform the work. Maintenance organisations provide the inspection services and incur the costs of equipment, training and capacity. EADS‑CASA receives inspection reports and evaluates defects (Requirement & Background).\n- Regulators (CASA via the Directive) decide the required inspections and timing; EADS‑CASA is the reporting/evaluation recipient; operators decide how to schedule and pay for compliance (Requirement).\n- Operators will change behaviour by scheduling mandated NDIs and HFECs at the specified trigger points and intervals, by possibly limiting flight hours/landings or retiring airframes earlier, and by routing aircraft to facilities that can perform HFEC. A ferry‑only flight is allowed solely to reach inspection facilities (Requirement).\n\n**Implementation, costs and practical trade‑offs**\n\n- Implementation risk and capacity: HFEC is a specialised inspection method. Operators may need access to suitably equipped maintenance providers; limited local capacity can increase downtime and repositioning costs (Requirement referencing HFEC Annex 3).\n- Compliance burden: multiple threshold bands and repeat intervals mean operators must monitor flight hours and landings precisely and update maintenance planning. Reporting every inspection to EADS‑CASA adds an administrative burden.\n- Opportunity cost: when aircraft are grounded for inspections or repaired, operators lose available flying hours and revenue; smaller operators may feel the cost disproportionately.\n- Detection versus cost trade‑off: the Directive adds HFEC to improve crack detection (stated purpose). That increases inspection reliability but also increases inspection cost and may require specialist contractors.\n\n**Interactions with other rules and documents**\n\n- The Directive cross‑references the C‑212 Supplemental Inspection Procedures (C‑212‑PV‑01/02‑SIP), EADS‑CASA AOL 212‑018 (Annexes), and an EASA Emergency AD (EASA Emergency AD 2007‑0108‑E). Compliance therefore requires consulting and following those external technical documents (Requirement & Background).\n\n**Concrete risks and concentration of effects**\n\n- Concentrated benefits: manufacturers and safety regulators receive more data about wing skin condition and may reduce structural risk. The immediate private benefits (for operators) are reduced risk of sudden structural failure but at inspection/repair cost.\n- Concentrated costs: owners/operators of ageing C‑212 fleets (notably maritime patrol or specialist non‑commercial users) bear most of the direct costs and operational disruption. Smaller operators with fewer aircraft will have proportionally higher per‑aircraft cost and less flexibility to reassign flying hours.\n\n**Notes and mandatory reporting**\n\n- If a crack or loose rivet is found, the aircraft must not be flown until EADS‑CASA has been sent a detailed report for evaluation (Requirement).\n- All inspection results must be submitted to EADS‑CASA (Requirement).\n\n(Referenced provisions: Applicability; Requirement 1.a/1.b/2.a/2.b; Compliance timing; Background.)"},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-casa-27-amdt-2-centre-wing-lower-skin","history":"/api/acts/ad-casa-27-amdt-2-centre-wing-lower-skin/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-casa-27-amdt-2-centre-wing-lower-skin/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-casa-27-amdt-2-centre-wing-lower-skin/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-casa-27-amdt-2-centre-wing-lower-skin/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-casa-27-amdt-2-centre-wing-lower-skin/documents"}}