Although a number of aerobatic manoeuvres were permitted in Tiger Moth aircraft, there was no limitation on the amount of aerobatic operations that was considered to be safe. As a result, operators may be unaware that a high aerobatic usage may exceed the original design assumptions for the aircraft.
The ATSB has contacted de Havilland Support Ltd and the safety action proposed in 2016 has not yet been implemented. Therefore, the safety issue has been closed not adequately addressed. The ATSB remains hopeful that the proposed implementation of a new Technical News Sheet supported by a United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness directive will be forthcoming.
A new Technical News Sheet [TNS], to be issued in January 2016, will define the acceptable intensity of aerobatic utilisation for Tiger Moth aircraft. The TNS will expand on the existing UK [United Kingdom] Certification Basis which already details the specific aerobatic manoeuvres which can and cannot be carried out. This TNS will be mandated by UK CAA [Civil Aviation Authority] Airworthiness Directive.
