COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-22/12 Tailplane Actuating Jack - Inspection NK
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Inspect the nut and washer at the upper end of the tailplane actuating jack (P/N 4296- 02) for excessive wear and adequate lubrication. End play in the jack-shaft should only be sufficient to permit free rotation of the shaft throughout the operating range.
Compliance: At intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B05416, are essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically targets the maintenance and inspection of Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes, including the Tri-Pacer and Colt models, through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/PA-22/12, mandates the regular inspection of the tailplane actuating jack to prevent excessive wear and ensure adequate lubrication, thereby addressing a critical safety concern in these aircraft models. This directive aims to maintain the operational integrity of the aircraft by ensuring that the end play in the jack-shaft permits free rotation throughout the operating range, thereby safeguarding against mechanical failure.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, operating under the authority of the Commonwealth, introduced this directive to fill a significant gap in aircraft maintenance protocols. The policy objective is clear: to enhance the safety of civil aviation through stringent inspection and maintenance requirements. By setting specific intervals for inspections, the legislation ensures that the tailplane actuating jack is checked at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service time, thereby proactively mitigating risks associated with mechanical failure in this critical component.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all persons and entities involved in the operation and maintenance of the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislation mandates regular inspections of the tailplane actuating jack to ensure safety standards are met, which is crucial for both commercial and private aviation operations falling under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The requirement to inspect the nut and washer at the upper end of the tailplane actuating jack, as well as ensuring there is only sufficient end play in the jack-shaft to permit free rotation, is to be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service time. The legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all Piper PA-22 aircraft within the Commonwealth must comply with these directives. The application of this regulation extends to all models of the specified aircraft, ensuring a consistent approach to airworthiness across different operators and regions within Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, sets out the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. In this case, AD/PA-22/12 pertains to Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) Series Aeroplanes and mandates an inspection of the tailplane actuating jack (P/N 4296-02). Section 105(1) requires that all models of the Piper PA-22 aeroplanes undergo a thorough inspection of the nut and washer at the upper end of the tailplane actuating jack. This inspection is crucial to ensure there is no excessive wear and that adequate lubrication is present. Furthermore, section 105(2) stipulates that the end play in the jack-shaft should only be sufficient to allow free rotation of the shaft throughout the operating range.
Under section 105, the obligation imposed on the operators of Piper PA-22 aeroplanes is to conduct this inspection at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This regular inspection is essential for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring that the tailplane actuating jack operates within its designed parameters and does not pose any risk due to wear or lubrication issues.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/PA-22/12 could result in serious safety risks. Section 106 imposes penalties and consequences for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, it is understood that breaches of airworthiness directives can lead to severe civil or criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. This may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. Therefore, operators must adhere strictly to these inspection requirements to avoid any legal repercussions.