AD/P166/12 - Elevator Trim Tab Inner Hinge - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety. One specific area addressed within these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives to ensure the continued safety of aircraft in operation. The Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998, which form part of this overarching legislative framework, establish the process for the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to mandate specific safety improvements and modifications on aircraft. The policy objective behind these regulations is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent airworthiness standards and are subject to ongoing safety evaluations and directives as necessary. Part 39, specifically dealing with Airworthiness Directives, exemplifies this objective by detailing the requirements for particular aircraft models, such as the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/P166/12, pertains to the elevator trim tab inner hinge modification on Piaggio P166 aircraft with serial numbers prior to 379. This directive, mandated by CASA, aims to address identified safety issues by requiring the implementation of specific modifications forthwith, as outlined in Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-6. This legislative instrument underscores CASA's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation through timely and precise regulatory actions.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the implementation of Airworthiness Directives that ensure the safe operation of aircraft within the Australian airspace. This includes the Airworthiness Directive AD/P166/12, which pertains to Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes and requires the modification of the elevator trim tab inner hinge for aircraft with serial numbers prior to 379. This directive applies to all aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel who fall within the scope of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, ensuring compliance with the prescribed modifications to maintain airworthiness standards. The directive's geographic reach is national, applying to all operators within Australia, and it does not specify exclusions or exemptions, thereby necessitating prompt compliance by the affected entities. The authority to extend or restrict the application of these directives through subordinate instruments remains within the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) establish the legal framework for civil aviation safety in Australia. In particular, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives addresses specific safety concerns for certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/P166/12, pertains to the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the elevator trim tab inner hinge. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos) prior to 379, and the required modification is detailed in Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-6 (section 9/61). Compliance with this directive is mandated forthwith, meaning that the modifications must be implemented immediately. The obligations under AD/P166/12 require aircraft operators and owners to ensure that the specified modifications are carried out by certified personnel in accordance with the instructions provided in Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-6. This involves inspecting the elevator trim tab inner hinge and making necessary repairs or replacements to meet the safety standards set by CASA. Operators must maintain records of the modifications and ensure that the aircraft is returned to service only after the required changes have been thoroughly verified. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in significant safety risks and could lead to regulatory action against the operator. Breaching the requirements outlined in AD/P166/12 can result in serious consequences. CASA has the authority to take enforcement action against operators who fail to comply with airworthiness directives. Civil penalties can include fines of up to $1.65 million for corporations and $330,000 for individuals, as stipulated under section 44 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Additionally, CASA can issue an Airworthiness Directive Compliance Order, which can mandate specific actions to rectify the non-compliance. Criminal penalties may also apply, with individuals facing imprisonment for up to five years and corporations for up to ten years, as outlined in section 45 of the Act. These severe penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the safety directives to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.