AD/P68/53 Seat Backrest Quick Release Pin (Cth)

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.

Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes

AD/P68/53 Seat Backrest Quick Release Pin 3/2005 DM

Applicability:

VulcanAir aircraft (formerly Partenavia), all P68 variants from S/N 412 up to and including S/N 424 and S/N 429, 434 and 435. Aircraft S/N 418 is excluded.

Requirement:

Carry out operational checks, inspections and modifications in accordance with the manufacturers Service Bulletin, VulcanAir Mandatory Service Bulletin No.128 dated 12 October 2004, as applicable.

Note:  ENAC AD 2004-522 refers.

Compliance:

Within 30 days as of the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 February 2005.

Background:

The backrest recline of pilot, copilot and second row passenger seats requires the removal of a “quick release pin” not correctly indicated in the AFM and not readily detectable by the passengers.  Moreover the operation to removal the device is difficult.  This causes difficulty or disables access to the escape path from the cabin in case of an emergency evacuation.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

4 February 2005