COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes AD/PA-38/28 Rudder Hinge Bracket 6/98 Applicability: Model PA-38-112 aircraft with serial numbers 38-80A0166 through 38-82A0122. Requirement: 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. Note 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. Note 2: FAA AD 98-03-16 Amdt 39-10308 refers. Compliance: 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. This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 21 May 1998. Background: 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.