AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Gippsland Aeronautics GA8 Series Aeroplanes
AD/GA8/6
Pitot Heat Wiring
16/2012
 
Applicability:
All GA8 Series aeroplanes which have heated pitot fitted except for aeroplanes modified by GippsAero Engineering Release ER-GA8-950216.

Requirement:
Modify the pitot heat wiring in accordance with GippsAero Service Bulletin SB-GA8-2012-77 Issue 3 or later approved revision.

Compliance:
To be completed at the next 100 hour inspection check and no later than 1 August 2013, whichever occurs first.

 
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 August 2012.

Background:
CASA has received a number of Service Difficulty Reports regarding the pitot probe heater connector.  The loss of pitot heat in Instrument Meteorological Condition (IMC) may lead to the loss of airspeed indication.  This may lead to the loss of control of the aeroplane.  Remedial action is to replace the connector with a terminal block.

Rick Leeds
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
6 August 2012