{"id":"F2006B05967","name":"AD/PA-38/28 - Rudder Hinge Bracket","slug":"ad-pa-38-28-rudder-hinge-bracket","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":136147,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B05967-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/PA-38/28 - Rudder Hinge Bracket","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)  \nPiper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/PA-38/28 Rudder Hinge Bracket 6/98\n\nApplicability: Model PA-38-112 aircraft with serial numbers 38-80A0166 through 38-82A0122.\n\nRequirement: Remove and replace the upper rudder hinge bracket part number 77610-02, with a new upper rudder hinge bracket part number 77610-03, in accordance with the instructions section of Piper Service Bulletin (SB) 686.\n\nNote 1: The serial numbers listed in the applicability section of this Directive do not match the serial numbers listed in Piper SB 686. This Directive takes precedence over Piper SB 686.\n\nNote 2: FAA AD 98-03-16 Amdt 39-10308 refers.\n\nCompliance: Upon the accumulation of 5,000 hours total time in service, or within the next 100 hours time in service, whichever occurs later. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 hours time in service.\n\nThis airworthiness directive becomes effective on 21 May 1998.\n\nBackground: The FAA received reports of fatigue cracks occurring on the upper rudder hinge bracket. The manufacture of a new upper rudder hinge bracket with a life limited improved design prompted the FAA to require repetitive replacement of the hinge bracket. Failure of the bracket could result in separation of the rudder and loss of control of the aircraft.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, targeted safety directive addressing a specific mechanical defect in a specific aircraft type. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of mandating rudder hinge bracket replacement."},"complexity_factors":["Single, specific mechanical part replacement with clear part numbers","Straightforward applicability: one aircraft model with defined serial number range","Simple compliance formula: 5,000 hours or 100 hours, whichever is later, then every 5,000 hours","Only 2 brief notes clarifying precedence over manufacturer documentation","No defined terms section, no cross-references to other legislation beyond a single FAA reference","Total length: approximately 200 words"],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of specified Piper PA-38 Tomahawk serial numbers to replace the upper rudder hinge bracket with an improved part because the original can develop fatigue cracks that might lead to rudder failure and loss of control. Compliance must follow Piper Service Bulletin 686.\n\nThe replacement is due by 5,000 total flight hours or within 100 flight hours (whichever is later), with repeats every 5,000 hours. The Australian serial-number range and requirement take precedence over the US bulletin; about 150–200 aircraft are affected."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The AD specifies an applicability serial‑number range that does not match Piper SB 686 and expressly takes precedence over the SB. As a result, the AD changes the practical scope of mandatory compliance relative to the manufacturer's bulletin by mandating replacement for the serials listed in the AD."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow applicability limited to PA‑38‑112 aircraft with a specific serial‑number range (clarity reduces complexity)","Single technical action (replace a specified part number) but with a repetitive interval (maintenance scheduling and recordkeeping required)","Compliance timing condition: initial action at 5,000 hours or within 100 hours whichever is later (creates an implementation threshold)","Directive takes precedence over the manufacturer Service Bulletin where serial numbers conflict (legal precedence adds a coordination task)","Dependency on external document (Piper SB 686) for procedural instructions (operators must obtain and follow SB content)","Cross‑reference to FAA AD (98‑03‑16) — international regulatory alignment to consider","Safety consequence (rudder separation) raises enforcement and operational-priority concerns but not legal drafting complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"This AD requires owners/operators of Piper PA‑38‑112 aircraft (serial numbers 38‑80A0166 to 38‑82A0122) to remove and replace the upper rudder hinge bracket (P/N 77610‑02 → 77610‑03) using Piper Service Bulletin 686, initially at 5,000 hours or within the next 100 hours (whichever is later) and then every 5,000 hours.\n\nThe FAA reported fatigue cracking that could cause rudder separation; CASA makes compliance mandatory and the AD overrides conflicting SB serial‑number lists. Owners pay for parts and labour; operators must schedule repetitive replacements."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pa-38-28-rudder-hinge-bracket","history":"/api/acts/ad-pa-38-28-rudder-hinge-bracket/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pa-38-28-rudder-hinge-bracket/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pa-38-28-rudder-hinge-bracket/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pa-38-28-rudder-hinge-bracket/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pa-38-28-rudder-hinge-bracket/documents"}}