AD/P166/34 - Landing Gear Selector Valve - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through legislative instrument F2006B05328, address safety concerns related to the operation of civil aircraft within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations includes a schedule of airworthiness directives to ensure that aircraft meet the required safety standards. One such directive, AD/P166/34, pertains to Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes and mandates the modification of the landing gear selector valve. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with specific components of the landing gear system, ensuring that aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is responsible for enforcing these regulations, aims to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by implementing and enforcing these airworthiness directives. The legislative instrument F2006B05328 was enacted to update and refine the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, addressing specific safety gaps identified in the operation of civil aircraft. The policy objective of this update is to ensure that all aircraft operating within Australian airspace meet stringent safety requirements, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the public. The inclusion of AD/P166/34 within the schedule of airworthiness directives highlights the commitment to addressing particular vulnerabilities in aircraft components, ensuring that any potential risks are mitigated through mandated modifications. This regulatory approach underscores the importance of continuous safety assessments and the proactive measures necessary to maintain the integrity of civil aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates the modification of the landing gear selector valve for Piaggio P166 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models of the P166 series that are equipped with a selector valve bearing the part number 5-5233, provided that the valve nameplate does not include the suffix Rev. A. The regulation demands compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the issuance date of 28 November 1968. The referenced documents for compliance are Piaggio Service Bulletin No. 166-56 or RAI Airworthiness Directive 68-173/P166-31, Revision 1. The scope of this legislation encompasses aircraft entities operating within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The application is specific to the designated aircraft models and components, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, provides detailed directives for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Piaggio P166 Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/P166/34, addresses the modification of the landing gear selector valve for the Piaggio P166 series (section 11/68). This directive applies to all model P166 aeroplanes equipped with a selector valve P/N 5-5233 that does not have the suffix "Rev. A" on the valve nameplate (section 11/68). Compliance with this directive requires that the modification be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 28 November 1968 (section 11/68). Entities governed by this legislation must ensure that all applicable Piaggio P166 aircraft undergo the specified modification to the landing gear selector valve. The compliance must be verified using either Piaggio SB No. 166-56 or RAI AD 68-173/P166-31, Rev. 1 (section 11/68). The Civil Aviation Safety Authority mandates these modifications to maintain the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft, ensuring that the landing gear system functions correctly and reliably. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/P166/34 may result in civil or criminal penalties. The seriousness of non-compliance is underscored by the potential for severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the specific circumstances of the breach, but the legislation provides for significant deterrents to ensure adherence to the mandated safety standards. The enforcement of these provisions is critical to maintaining the high standards of safety in civil aviation. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, through its directives such as AD/P166/34, play a vital role in ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. By strictly adhering to the outlined requirements, entities can avoid the severe repercussions associated with non-compliance, thereby protecting both the public and the integrity of the aviation industry.