{"id":"F2006B06015","name":"AD/PA-44/9 - Aileron Balance Weight Attachment Inspection and Modification","slug":"ad-pa-44-9-aileron-balance-weight-attachment-inspection-and-modification","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":114413,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06015-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/PA-44/9 - Aileron Balance Weight Attachment Inspection and Modification","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-44 (Seminole) Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/PA-44/9 Aileron Balance Weight Attachment\n\nInspection and Modification\n\n  \n10/81\n\nApplicability: All models PA-44-180 with serial numbers 44-7995001 to 44-8195016. All models PA-44-180T with serial numbers 44-8107001 to 44-8107044.\n\nDocument: Piper S.B. No. 725A. FAA AD 81-16-10 refers.\n\nCompliance: Part I: Initially inspect before further flight and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours time in service until modified in accordance with Piper S.B. No.\n\n725A.\n\nNote: The pilot in command may perform and certify for this inspection.\n\nPart II: Within 200 hours time in service after 21 August 1981.\n\nBackground: It is possible that the aileron balance weights may become loose in the outboard leading edge of the aileron.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, time-bound safety directive addressing a specific manufacturing defect in a limited aircraft population. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of addressing loose aileron balance weights in early production PA-44 aircraft."},"complexity_factors":["Single, specific mechanical issue (aileron balance weights)","Only two compliance paths: repetitive inspection or one-time modification","Clear applicability criteria (two model variants, defined serial number ranges)","Minimal cross-referencing (one Piper service bulletin and one FAA AD for context)","No defined terms section or interpretation provisions","Single background sentence explaining the safety risk","Total length: approximately 150 words"],"plain_english_summary":"This is an **Airworthiness Directive** — a mandatory safety order issued by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It applies to specific **Piper PA-44 Seminole aircraft** (twin-engine training planes commonly used in Australia).\n\n**What it requires:**\n- **Immediate inspection**: Before the aircraft flies again, owners must check whether the aileron balance weights (small counterweights on the wing control surfaces) are loose. These weights prevent dangerous vibrations in the ailerons (the hinged surfaces on the wing tips that control rolling).\n- **Ongoing checks**: Until a permanent fix is done, this inspection must repeat every 25 flight hours.\n- **Permanent modification**: Within 200 flight hours after 21 August 1981, owners must carry out a modification per Piper's Service Bulletin 725A to permanently secure these weights.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Owners and operators of PA-44-180 and PA-44-180T aircraft with specific serial numbers (roughly 1979–1981 production).\n- Maintenance organisations servicing these aircraft.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nLoose balance weights can cause the ailerons to flutter or vibrate uncontrollably — potentially leading to loss of control or structural failure. The directive allows pilots (not just mechanics) to perform the initial inspection, recognising the urgency and simplicity of the check."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive applies to the specific serial-number ranges listed and prescribes inspection intervals and a modification deadline consistent with its stated purpose (to address potentially loose aileron balance weights). There is no indication within the text that the AD’s scope was expanded or narrowed from its original mechanical intent; it remains narrowly targeted at the identified models and serial numbers and prescribes inspection followed by a specified modification (Applicability; Compliance; Document; Background)."},"complexity_factors":["Limited technical scope: single component (aileron balance weight attachment) and specific remedy (inspection then modification).","Serial-number specificity: only particular serial-number ranges are affected, requiring operators to check aircraft identity (Applicability).","Two-stage compliance: frequent short-interval inspections until a one-off modification is completed (Compliance: Part I & Part II).","External-document dependence: the modification is specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 725A, requiring cross-reference to that document (Document).","Pilot-certification allowance reduces administrative complexity for the inspections but leaves the modification step to typical maintenance channels (Note)."],"plain_english_summary":"This directive requires owners/operators of certain Piper PA‑44 Seminoles (specified PA‑44‑180 and PA‑44‑180T serial ranges) to inspect the aileron balance weight fixings before the next flight and then at intervals ≤25 flight hours until a mandatory modification is carried out. The modification referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 725A must be completed within 200 hours time‑in‑service after 21 August 1981.\n\nIt matters because loose aileron balance weights can detach; owners/operators pay the costs, and the pilot‑in‑command may perform and certify the interim inspections."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-9-aileron-balance-weight-attachment-inspection-and-modification","history":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-9-aileron-balance-weight-attachment-inspection-and-modification/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-9-aileron-balance-weight-attachment-inspection-and-modification/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-9-aileron-balance-weight-attachment-inspection-and-modification/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-9-aileron-balance-weight-attachment-inspection-and-modification/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-9-aileron-balance-weight-attachment-inspection-and-modification/documents"}}