AD/P166/21 - Main Landing Gear Shock Absorber Strut - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to provide comprehensive rules and regulations governing all aspects of civil aviation in Australia. One of the specific legislative instruments under this regulation is F2006B11448, which was introduced to address safety concerns related to the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating modifications to the main landing gear shock absorber strut, as specified in AD/P166/21. The requirement for compliance is immediate, ensuring that all model P166 aircraft meet the stipulated safety standards as per Piaggio SB P166-25A, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically pertain to the Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models within the P166 series, mandating a modification to the main landing gear shock absorber strut as outlined in the document Piaggio SB P166-25A. Compliance with this airworthiness directive is required forthwith, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards. The regulations are applicable on a Commonwealth level, thus extending across the entire nation, and are enforceable by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly stated in this directive, and the regulation's application may be extended or further specified through subordinate instruments issued by the relevant authorities.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an airworthiness directive concerning the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes (sections 12 and 62). This directive mandates a modification to the main landing gear shock absorber strut. The directive, identified as AD/P166/21, applies to all models within the P166 series, necessitating immediate compliance as stipulated in the Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-25A. The directive aims to ensure that the aircraft meets the required safety standards by modifying the shock absorber strut of the main landing gear. Compliance with this directive imposes specific obligations on the parties or entities governed by the Act. Operators and owners of Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes must ensure that the modifications to the main landing gear shock absorber strut are performed in accordance with the specifications provided in the Piaggio Service Bulletin P166-25A. This includes conducting the required inspections and making the necessary modifications forthwith to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and subsequent safety risks. Failure to adhere to the provisions of the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against operators and owners who do not comply with the directive. Such non-compliance may result in administrative penalties, including fines and the potential for prosecution. The severity of the penalties can vary, but under section 13 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the maximum penalty for contravening the airworthiness directive can include substantial fines and imprisonment for individuals, reflecting the gravity of ensuring aircraft safety and compliance with regulatory standards.