AD/P166/32 - Flap Actuating Cylinder Attachment Bracket - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, represent a comprehensive framework governing civil aviation safety across the nation. A specific legislative instrument within this broader framework is F2006B05326, which addresses the safety of Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. This legislation was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the structural integrity of flap actuating cylinder attachments on specified models of Piaggio aeroplanes that have surpassed a certain operational threshold. The policy objective underlying these regulations is to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft, thereby safeguarding the public and maintaining high safety standards within the civil aviation sector. The enactment of AD/P166/32 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 targets the critical issue of flap actuating cylinder attachment on Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes, specifically those models fitted with bracket P/N 1409-01 that have exceeded 1500 hours in service. The directive mandates regular inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours to identify and rectify any issues before they compromise flight safety. This proactive approach is designed to uphold the stringent safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all relevant aircraft remain compliant with airworthiness requirements throughout their operational life.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes, encompassing all models P166, P166B, and P166C that are fitted with the bracket P/N 1409-01 and have exceeded 1500 hours of time in service. This regulation is an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards. The directive mandates inspections at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. This regulation is applicable on a national level within the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by CASA, which is responsible for enforcing adherence to the specified inspection intervals as outlined in Piaggio Service Bulletin No. 166-53. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this particular AD, and it extends its reach to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia, ensuring that maintenance and safety standards are consistently met.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes, mandate that all models P166, P166B, and P166C fitted with bracket P/N 1409-01, which have accumulated more than 1500 hours of time in service, must undergo inspections of the flap actuating cylinder attachment bracket. This requirement is outlined in AD/P166/32 11/66. The inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service, as per the Piaggio Service Bulletin No. 166-53. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved, including aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and personnel. Aircraft operators are required to ensure that the inspections are performed in accordance with the specified intervals. Maintenance organisations responsible for conducting these inspections must follow the guidelines provided in the Piaggio Service Bulletin No. 166-53, ensuring that the flap actuating cylinder attachment bracket is thoroughly examined for any signs of wear, damage, or other issues that may compromise the safety of the aircraft. The personnel conducting these inspections must be qualified and adhere to the standards set out in the Service Bulletin. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may result in significant legal and financial consequences. The Act provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties can include fines and the possibility of the aircraft being grounded until the required inspections are performed and any issues are resolved. Criminal penalties may apply if non-compliance is found to have directly contributed to an aviation incident or accident, potentially leading to imprisonment for the responsible parties. The specific penalties are determined by the nature and severity of the breach, with maximum penalties outlined in the broader civil aviation legislative framework.