AD/P68/17 Amdt 1 - Flap Actuator Switch - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, govern the safety and operational standards of civil aviation within Australia. One specific part of these regulations is Part 39, which includes the Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at ensuring aircraft meet necessary safety standards. AD/P68/17 Amendment 1, issued in 1980, targets the Partenavia P68 series aeroplanes and specifically addresses the issue of the flap actuator switch, which had been found to be electrically inadequate. The directive mandates the inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of the switch to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness, with a clear focus on preventing potential failures that could compromise flight safety. This amendment was introduced to rectify the problem identified with the switch's ability to handle the electrical load demanded by the flap motor, thereby ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, pertain to the maintenance and safety of aircraft within Australia and its territories, impacting a broad range of entities including aircraft manufacturers, operators, maintenance providers, and pilots. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which includes Airworthiness Directives, governs the mandatory compliance for certain types of aircraft, such as the Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/P68/17A, mandates an inspection and potentially the replacement of the flap actuator switch to ensure the continued safety of the aircraft. All models of Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes are subject to this directive, which requires a thorough examination to determine if the specified switch (P/N NOR 7-345-4) is installed, and if so, its removal. The directive provides options for refitting the original switch (P/N NOR 7-345-1/M) provided certain conditions are met, or the installation of an equivalent switch approved by the Secretary. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before the specified date, 31 March 1980, and adherence to previous directives does not satisfy the requirements of this current directive. This legislative instrument is applicable nationally, reflecting the overarching responsibility of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in regulating aviation safety across Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific safety directives for certain aircraft models, including the Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes. In particular, AD/P68/17 Amendment 1 focuses on the flap actuator switch, necessitating an inspection to identify if the switch P/N NOR 7-345-4 (Honeywell Product P/N 13AT3) is installed on the aircraft. If this switch is found, it must be removed from the aircraft (Section 2). The original switch P/N NOR 7-345-1/M may be reinstalled, but it requires the proper fitting of a rubber ring and adjustment of the knob to ensure a 4mm gap between the edge of the mounting bushing and the base of the knob. Alternatively, an equivalent switch approved by the Secretary can be installed. Notably, a switch installation following Drawing No. EDS 140 provided by Forrestair is considered compliant with the regulations. The legislation imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, particularly those responsible for maintaining the airworthiness of the Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes. Owners and operators of these aircraft must ensure that the required inspection and replacement of the flap actuator switch are conducted in accordance with the provisions outlined. This includes verifying the presence of the correct switch, removing the identified switch if present, and either reinstalling the original switch with the necessary modifications or installing an approved equivalent switch. Compliance with these directives is critical to maintaining the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the directives set out in AD/P68/17 Amendment 1 can lead to serious consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the extract, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations typically results in enforcement actions which may include fines, penalties, or other regulatory sanctions. The severity of these consequences can vary depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but they underscore the importance of adhering to the mandated safety directives to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question.