012/09

Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
CAA
Text
Take action to address the safety issues discussed in the recommendations of the specialist independent aeronautical engineer's review of the STC process, listed below:
The CAA should make the introduction of a redesigned fin for all FU24's a very high priority.
The Continued Airworthiness programme for the Walter Fletcher should be reviewed including the 150-hr maintenance periodicity to ensure that the lessons of several years of operation have been applied and that potential fatigue effects of operation with higher powered engines are properly accounted for. Any learning applicable to piston-powered aircraft should be disseminated widely.
The Type Certificate holder should be involved where applicable.
The CAA should clarify the divisions of responsibility for Continued Airworthiness of modified FU24 Aircraft between the original equipment manufacturer (PAL), STC holders, and design organizations.
The Agricultural Aircraft Safety Review and the Part 137 Rules rewrite should be completed and acted on as soon as possible.
Related Investigation(s)