AD/P166/17 - Angle Bar at Fuselage Frame 20 - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Commonwealth Parliament, address the regulation and safety oversight of civil aviation activities within Australia. The 1998 Regulations were enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the safe operation of aircraft, including the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure that aircraft meet specific safety standards. One such AD, AD/P166/17, targets the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes and mandates an inspection and, if necessary, modification of the angle bar at fuselage frame 20 to address a specific safety concern identified in the serial numbers prior to 404. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft by implementing immediate compliance with the specified maintenance actions. The AD/P166/17 was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the structural integrity of the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes, specifically focusing on the angle bar at fuselage frame 20. By requiring inspections and necessary modifications, the regulation aims to prevent potential in-flight structural failures, thereby protecting passengers and crew. This directive underscores the commitment of CASA to maintaining high safety standards in Australia's civil aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety requirements to operate within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, mandates the inspection and modification of the angle bar at fuselage frame 20 for the Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos) prior to 404, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The directive is mandatory and requires compliance forthwith, with reference to Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-16 for specific procedures. This regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and governs the operations of the aircraft within its jurisdiction. The scope is limited to the specified aircraft model and serial numbers, and no exclusions or exemptions are stated in the provided text. The application of this directive may be further detailed or expanded through subordinate instruments or subsequent updates by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/P166/17 concerning the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes. This directive mandates an inspection and potential modification of the angle bar at fuselage frame 20 (section 5/62). The directive applies to all Piaggio P166 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos) prior to 404. Compliance with this directive is required immediately, as indicated by the term "forthwith," and the specific instructions are detailed in Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-16. Under this legislation, the primary obligation for the aircraft owner or operator is to ensure that the inspection and necessary modifications of the angle bar at fuselage frame 20 are conducted in accordance with the Piaggio SB P166-16. This includes verifying that the aircraft meets the specified safety standards and that all modifications are properly documented. The directive underscores the importance of timely compliance to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. Failure to comply with AD/P166/17 can result in significant legal consequences. CASA has the authority to enforce the regulations, and non-compliance may lead to penalties. The specific penalties for breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can include substantial fines and potential criminal charges for operators who fail to adhere to the mandated safety directives. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and frequency of the breach but are designed to enforce strict adherence to safety standards. In summary, AD/P166/17 is a critical safety directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, requiring immediate action to inspect and potentially modify the angle bar at fuselage frame 20 in Piaggio P166 aeroplanes with specific serial numbers. Compliance is mandatory, and the directive is supported by the Piaggio SB P166-16. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines and criminal charges, reflecting the high priority placed on aviation safety by CASA.