AD/PA-22/14 Amdt 1 - Tail Brace Streamline Tie Rods - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B05418, specifically address the safety concerns associated with the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections of the tail brace streamline tie rods. This amendment responds to identified issues with the structural integrity of these aeroplanes, particularly in relation to the tail brace streamline tie rods, which, if not regularly inspected, may lead to significant safety risks. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards within Australia's civil aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent airworthiness criteria. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and apply to all models of the Piper PA-22 series. Compliance with the new requirements necessitates inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service, as specified in the Piper Service Bulletin No. 183 or the Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Directive 60-1-7. This legislative update is a critical measure in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity and safety of civil aviation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/PA-22/14 Amendment 1 concerning the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates inspections of the tail brace streamline tie rods for these aircraft models. The directive applies universally to all Piper PA-22 models, irrespective of their registration or operational context within Australia, ensuring compliance with safety standards established by CASA. The requirement stipulates that inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of operational time. The regulation’s scope is further detailed in referenced documents such as Piper Service Bulletin No. 183 and FAA AD 60-1-7, which provide additional technical specifications and procedural guidance to ensure airworthiness and safety compliance.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include detailed safety directives for various aircraft, with one notable directive concerning the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) Series Aeroplanes, identified as AD/PA-22/14 Amendment 1. This directive (section 11/67) focuses on the inspection of tail brace streamline tie rods. The directive mandates that all models of the Piper PA-22 must adhere to the requirements outlined in either Piper Service Bulletin No. 183 or Federal Aviation Administration AD 60-1-7, which detail the necessary procedures and standards for inspecting these components. Compliance with these standards is required at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, entities such as aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and pilots are obligated to ensure that their Piper PA-22 aircraft meet these airworthiness directives. This includes conducting the required inspections of the tail brace streamline tie rods as specified by the Piper SB No. 183 or FAA AD 60-1-7. The regulations also impose a responsibility on these parties to maintain accurate records of all inspections performed and any subsequent repairs or replacements carried out on the aircraft, ensuring that all maintenance activities comply with the stipulated intervals and procedures. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in significant legal consequences. According to the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can be considered an offence. The potential penalties for such offences can include fines and imprisonment. For corporations, the maximum penalty for a breach of these regulations is often specified in terms of penalty units, with each unit reflecting a certain monetary value. The exact penalty can vary based on the nature and severity of the breach, but it is designed to ensure that all parties adhere to the required safety standards to prevent any risk to the operation of the aircraft and the safety of those on board.