{"id":"F2006B09602","name":"AD/EXTRA/3 - Elevator Mass Balance","slug":"ad-extra-3-elevator-mass-balance","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":54337,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B09602-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/EXTRA/3 - Elevator Mass Balance","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nExtra EA-300 Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/EXTRA/3 Elevator Mass Balance 5/95\n\nApplicability: Extra EA-300 Serial Numbers V1, 001 to 034.\n\nRequirement: 1. Inspect the elevator mass balance attachment plate using the fluorescent dye penetrant method in accordance with CAO 108.10. Inspect in accordance with Extra Service Bulletin (SB) 300-1-92, Part I.\n\n2. Replace the existing mass balance with the new reinforced mass balance (P/N PC- 33202.1B), in accordance with Extra SB 300-1-92, Part II. No aerobatic flights are to be flown until the aircraft is in compliance with this Requirement.\n\nNote: German LBA AD 92-199 refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Inspect before further flight after 29 March 1995.\n\n2. Replace before further flight if damage is detected. If no damage is detected, replace before 25 hours time in service after 29 March 1995.\n\nBackground: Reports have been received of cracking of the elevator mass balance arm. Failure of the arm will cause the elevator to flutter and probably the loss of the elevator and aeroplane.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a targeted safety directive for a specific aircraft type and specific serial number range. It addresses a discrete mechanical defect (elevator mass balance cracking) with a prescribed technical solution. The scope remains tightly focused on its original safety purpose with no evidence of scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (under 300 words)","Only 2 substantive requirements with clear sequential logic","Single defined applicability criterion (specific serial numbers)","No cross-references to other legislation beyond a single Civil Aviation Order (CAO 108.10) and a manufacturer service bulletin","Simple conditional compliance: immediate if damage found, 25-hour window if not","No nested exceptions or complex definitional sections"],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive orders owners/operators of Extra EA‑300 aircraft (serial V1 and 001–034) to inspect the elevator mass‑balance attachment plate using fluorescent dye‑penetrant and to replace the mass balance with a reinforced unit. Aircraft are grounded from aerobatic manoeuvres until compliance.\n\nIt responds to discovered cracks that could let the mass balance detach, induce catastrophic elevator flutter and loss of control—so immediate inspection and timely replacement are required."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive sticks to its original corrective scope: identify cracking and mandate inspection plus replacement for specified serial numbers to prevent elevator failure. It does not broaden applicability beyond the listed aircraft nor add unrelated requirements; it operationalises the stated safety objective through inspection method, part replacement and timing constraints."},"complexity_factors":["Limited and specific applicability (only Extra EA‑300 serials V1, 001–034) reduces breadth of affected parties.","Technical inspection requirement uses a defined method (fluorescent dye penetrant) and references CAO 108.10, requiring qualified maintenance personnel.","Mandatory replacement with a specified part number (P/N PC‑33202.1B) and reliance on Extra Service Bulletin 300‑1‑92 impose supply and parts‑compliance constraints.","Clear compliance timing: inspect before next flight after 29 March 1995; replace immediately if damage, otherwise within 25 flight hours — creates tight operational deadlines and potential grounding.","Immediate operational restriction (no aerobatics) until compliance concentrates short‑term cost on operators conducting aerobatic operations.","Safety‑critical consequence (flutter and probable loss of elevator/aircraft) raises enforcement and verification priority despite procedural simplicity.","Cross‑reference to foreign authority (German LBA AD 92‑199) adds traceability but no additional domestic procedural complexity."],"plain_english_summary":"This airworthiness directive orders owners/operators of Extra EA-300 aeroplanes (serials V1, 001–034) to inspect the elevator mass‑balance attachment plate using fluorescent dye‑penetrant and to replace the existing mass balance with a reinforced unit per Extra Service Bulletin 300‑1‑92. No aerobatic flights are allowed until the work is done. It responds to reported cracking that can cause elevator flutter and probable loss of the aircraft, and so imposes inspection, part‑replacement and ground‑time costs on operators."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-extra-3-elevator-mass-balance","history":"/api/acts/ad-extra-3-elevator-mass-balance/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-extra-3-elevator-mass-balance/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-extra-3-elevator-mass-balance/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-extra-3-elevator-mass-balance/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-extra-3-elevator-mass-balance/documents"}}