AD/P166/19 - Carburettor Air Mixer Valve - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the regulation and oversight of airworthiness directives in the context of civil aviation in Australia. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, these regulations aim to ensure that aircraft maintain a high standard of safety and reliability. One such directive, AD/P166/19, targets the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection and modification of the carburettor air mixer valve. This directive applies to aeroplanes equipped with a specific type of carburettor air mixer valve that has a cylinder-shaped valve body. The regulation requires an immediate modification and mandates inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service, in accordance with the guidelines provided in Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-19. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft through timely and effective maintenance practices.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include specific provisions concerning the airworthiness of aircraft, with Part 39 - 105 detailing the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Specifically, AD/P166/19 pertains to aeroplanes in the Piaggio P166 Series equipped with a carburettor air mixer valve having a cylinder-shaped valve body. This directive applies to all such aeroplanes operating within the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing both private and commercial entities engaged in civil aviation. The directive mandates compliance with the specified modifications and inspection intervals to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. Modifications to the carburettor air mixer valve must be completed immediately, while inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. This regulatory requirement extends across all jurisdictions within Australia, ensuring a consistent standard of aircraft safety and operational reliability. The regulations may be further detailed or expanded through subordinate instruments, thereby providing additional guidance or specific implementation instructions.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 and specifically Schedule 105, includes Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft, such as the Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/P166/19, pertains to the carburettor air mixer valve and mandates both an inspection and a modification. The directive is applicable to aeroplanes equipped with a carburettor air mixer valve featuring a cylinder-shaped valve body (AD/P166/19, Section 7/62). The directive requires operators to comply with the Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-19, which outlines the necessary modifications and inspection procedures. Operators of Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes must adhere to strict obligations set forth by this directive. The primary obligation is to ensure that the modification of the carburettor air mixer valve is carried out promptly. This means that any aeroplanes equipped with the specified type of valve must have the modification completed without delay (AD/P166/19, Section 7/62). Furthermore, operators are required to conduct inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service, ensuring that the air mixer valve is functioning correctly and safely (AD/P166/19, Section 7/62). Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/P166/19 can result in various legal consequences. Non-compliance with the mandated modifications or inspections could lead to civil or criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The specific penalties are not detailed in the directive but can include fines and potential grounding of the aeroplane until compliance is achieved. Additionally, the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft could be compromised, leading to severe safety risks and potential liability for any accidents or incidents arising from non-compliance.