AD/PA-22/21 - Landing Gear Fairing - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by Legislative Instrument F2006B05425, address safety issues associated with aircraft maintenance and operational standards. This particular legislative instrument, focusing on Part 39 - 105, concerns airworthiness directives for Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. The aim of this directive is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by mandating specific modifications to the landing gear fairing. This initiative was introduced to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity and corrosion, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the policy objective is to maintain stringent safety standards within the civil aviation sector, thereby protecting public safety and ensuring compliance with international aviation safety protocols.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, includes specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) that apply to various aircraft types, including the Piper PA-22 series. Specifically, AD/PA-22/21 mandates modifications to the landing gear fairing for all models of Piper PA-22 aircraft. The directive requires operators and owners of these aircraft to remove the lower three inches of the fabric fairing on the main landing gear, reseal the shortened fairing to ensure proper drainage, and inspect the lower welded area for signs of corrosion and cracking. This directive applies to all Piper PA-22 aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing both private and commercial operations. There are no exclusions or exemptions stated within this specific directive, and compliance is mandatory for all aircraft falling under its scope. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and failure to comply may result in penalties or grounding of the aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, address the airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. Within this section, AD/PA-22/21 focuses on the landing gear fairing modification for these aircraft (Section 5/63). This directive requires the modification of the fabric fairing of the main landing gear by removing the lower three inches, followed by resealing the shortened fairing and ensuring adequate drainage. Additionally, the lower welded area must be inspected for corrosion and cracking. This modification must be completed before 5 July 1963 to ensure compliance with the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Compliance with AD/PA-22/21 imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes. They must ensure that the required modifications to the landing gear fairing are carried out by a certified technician or engineer. This includes the precise removal of the lower three inches of the fabric fairing, resealing it to prevent any potential ingress of water or debris, and ensuring that the drainage system is adequate to prevent water accumulation. Furthermore, thorough inspections for corrosion and cracking in the lower welded areas must be conducted to maintain the structural integrity of the landing gear. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-22/21 can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement action against non-compliant aircraft, which could include grounding the aircraft until the required modifications are made. In more severe cases, operators and owners may face substantial fines and penalties. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed in this particular directive, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can generally lead to civil penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and potential criminal charges in cases of gross negligence or wilful disregard for safety regulations. It is imperative for operators to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid any adverse outcomes.