{"id":"F2006B05990","name":"AD/PA-42/23 - Aileron Hinge","slug":"ad-pa-42-23-aileron-hinge","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":136208,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B05990-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/PA-42/23 - Aileron Hinge","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-42 (Cheyenne III) Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/PA-42/23 Aileron Hinge 11/97\n\nApplicability: Model PA-42, PA-42-720, PA-42-720R, and PA-42-1000 aircraft with serial numbers as listed in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) 967.\n\nRequirement: 1. Inspect (using dye penetrant methods) the area beneath and in the area of the inboard aileron hinge bracket on the aileron spar for cracks in accordance with the Instructions section of Piper SB 967.\n\nIf cracks are found on the aileron spar:\n\n    (a) Inspect the corresponding aileron rib at the inboard aileron hinge bracket location; and\n\n    (b) Replace any cracked spar assembly and any cracked aileron rib in accordance with the maintenance manual;\n\n2. Replace the inboard aileron hinge brackets with a part of improved design P/N 74461-02 (left) and P/N 74461-03 (right), in accordance with the Instructions section of Piper SB 967, unless already accomplished.\n\nNote: FAA AD 96-21-03 Amdt 39-9780 refers.\n\nCompliance: For Requirement 1 and 2 : Upon the accumulation of 3,000 hours total time in service, or within 200 hours time in service after 9 October 1997, whichever occurs later, unless already accomplished.\n\nThis airworthiness directive becomes effective on 9 October 1997.\n\nBackground: The FAA received several reports of cracks in the vicinity of the inboard aileron hinge bracket, aileron spar, and aileron rib. The actions required by this Directive are intended to prevent structural failure of the aileron, which could result in loss of control of the aircraft.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive's scope aligns with its stated safety objective: inspect specified PA-42 serials for cracks, replace cracked spars/ribs, and install improved-design hinge brackets. It does not expand applicability beyond the serial numbers listed in Piper SB 967 or add requirements beyond inspection, repair/replacement per the maintenance manual, and mandated bracket replacement; it also cites FAA AD 96-21-03 as related authority."},"complexity_factors":["Targeted applicability tied to serial numbers listed in an external document (Piper SB 967) creates administrative complexity for owners to confirm applicability (Applicability / Requirement statements).","Specific inspection method mandated (dye penetrant) requires trained personnel and access to appropriate facilities and materials (Requirement 1).","Conditional compliance timing: at 3,000 hours TIS or within 200 hours after 9 Oct 1997, whichever is later, adds scheduling and tracking requirements (Compliance).","Mandatory replacement of parts if cracks found: may require replacement of spar assembly and aileron rib per the maintenance manual, increasing parts, labour and downtime (Requirement 1(a),(b)).","Mandatory retrofit to improved-design hinge brackets with specified part numbers requires procurement and correct installation procedures (Requirement 2).","Reliance on external documents — Piper SB 967 and the maintenance manual — for inspection and installation instructions transfers substantive procedural detail outside the AD text.","Safety-critical consequence (loss of control) raises urgency but does not itself complicate the rule’s mechanics (Background)."],"plain_english_summary":"This AD requires owners/operators of specified Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) aeroplanes (serials listed in Piper Service Bulletin 967) to inspect the inboard aileron hinge area using dye‑penetrant methods, replace any cracked spar assembly or aileron rib, and fit improved-design inboard hinge brackets (P/N 74461-02 and 74461-03). Compliance is required at 3,000 total hours TIS or within 200 hours after 9 October 1997; operators bear the inspection and replacement costs to prevent aileron structural failure and possible loss of control."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This AD maintains its original narrow scope — addressing a specific structural defect in specific Piper aircraft models. It has not expanded beyond its original safety purpose of preventing aileron structural failure."},"complexity_factors":["Single, clearly defined applicability (specific aircraft models and serial numbers)","Only two main requirements with straightforward conditional logic (if cracks found, then inspect rib)","Minimal cross-referencing (only references one Piper Service Bulletin and one FAA AD for context)","No defined terms section — uses standard aviation terminology","Single compliance deadline with simple 'whichever is later' calculation","Short document (approximately 200 words of substantive content)"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive mandates dye‑penetrant inspection of the aileron spar on specified Piper Cheyenne III aircraft, replacement of any cracked aileron ribs/brackets, and retrofit of redesigned inboard aileron hinge brackets if not already fitted.  \n\nIt affects owners, operators and maintenance engineers and aims to prevent in‑flight aileron structural failure and potential loss of control by detecting cracks early and strengthening the hinge assembly; compliance deadlines are set by flight hours."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pa-42-23-aileron-hinge","history":"/api/acts/ad-pa-42-23-aileron-hinge/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pa-42-23-aileron-hinge/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pa-42-23-aileron-hinge/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pa-42-23-aileron-hinge/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pa-42-23-aileron-hinge/documents"}}