Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, include a comprehensive framework designed to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 addresses specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. One such directive, AD/P68/6, pertains to the inspection of rudder trim tab control rods for Partenavia P68 series aeroplanes, specifically models P68 and P68B. This directive was introduced to address the potential safety risks associated with incorrect installation of rudder trim tab control rods, aiming to prevent mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety. The directive requires that inspections be conducted before further flight and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service, ensuring that any issues with the rudder trim tab control rod are identified and rectified promptly. This regulatory measure underscores the commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintaining rigorous safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/P68/6 concerning the Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes, pertains to all models P68 and P68B. This regulation mandates that the rudder trim tab control rod P/N 68-506053 must be inspected for correct installation according to the instructions provided in Partenavia Service Bulletin No. 32.10/77. If the installation is found to be incorrect, the rod must be removed and inspected visually for any signs of distortion and cracks in both the rod and its ends using a magnetic particle technique. Compliance with these directives is crucial, as inspections must be conducted before further flight and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. This directive applies to all relevant aircraft models within the specified series and is subject to the overarching framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The regulations cover the entire Commonwealth of Australia, thereby imposing a national scope on compliance with airworthiness standards. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds mentioned within the text of AD/P68/6, and the directive itself does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments. The focus is on maintaining stringent safety standards for the specified models through precise inspection and adherence to prescribed procedures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, includes a directive for Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes (AD/P68/6). This directive focuses on the rudder trim tab control rod, part number 68-506053, which must undergo an inspection according to the requirements set out in the regulation. The directive applies to all models of the P68 and P68B series aeroplanes (Section 1). The primary requirement is to inspect the rudder trim tab control rod for correct installation in accordance with the instructions provided in Partenavia Service Bulletin No. 32.10/77 (Section 1). If the installation is found to be incorrect, the rod must be removed and visually inspected for any signs of distortion. Additionally, both the rod and the rod-ends must be checked for cracks using a magnetic particle technique (Section 1). This inspection must be completed before further flight and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (Section 1). The obligations imposed by the regulation on the operators or owners of Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes are clear and specific. They must ensure that the rudder trim tab control rod is installed correctly, as per the instructions in Partenavia Service Bulletin No. 32.10/77. This involves a thorough inspection process, which includes both visual inspection and the use of a magnetic particle technique to check for any defects in the rod and its ends. The inspection must be performed diligently and documented, with compliance noted for regulatory oversight and safety purposes. The regulation mandates that this inspection must be completed before any further flight and at regular intervals, ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for operation (Section 1). Breaching the requirements of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in relation to airworthiness directives, can result in significant legal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance with AD/P68/6 are not detailed in the provided text, general provisions within the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations typically include fines, imprisonment, or both for serious breaches. The severity of the penalty may depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting safety risks or incidents. Operators and owners must take the directive seriously to avoid potential enforcement actions by CASA, which could include the grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved (Section 2 and 3).