AD/PA-22/22 - Rudder Pedals - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the safety and operation of civil aviation within the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses safety measures and compliance requirements for various aircraft models. One such directive is AD/PA-22/22, which was introduced to address safety concerns related to the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. The directive mandates modifications to the inboard rudder pedals to prevent pilots from inadvertently contacting the inner pedal of the opposite rudder set, thereby reducing the risk of control errors and enhancing flight safety. The requirement for compliance with the specified modifications is to be completed by 30 April 1964, as outlined in Commerce International Drawing 01D-801-1, which is accepted as a means of compliance.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all models of Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) Series Aeroplanes in the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and pertains to airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of these aircraft. The requirement outlined in AD/PA-22/22 mandates that modifications be made to the inboard rudder pedals to prevent pilots from inadvertently contacting the inner pedal of the opposite set, a modification that is crucial for preventing operational hazards during flight. The compliance deadline set forth in the regulation necessitates that these modifications be completed before 30 April 1964. The regulation does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but provides an acceptable means of compliance via the installation outlined in Commerce International Drawing 01D-801-1. Further application and interpretation of these regulations may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, section 105, address the airworthiness directives for Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes, also known as Tri-Pacer and Colt. The regulation AD/PA-22/22 outlines the necessary modifications to the rudder pedals. Section 1 of the directive requires that the inboard rudder pedals be modified to prevent a pilot's foot from inadvertently contacting the inner pedal of the opposite set of rudder pedals (105(1)). This is to enhance flight safety and control. The installation method specified in Commerce International Drawing 01D-801-1 is recognised as an acceptable means of compliance with these requirements (105(2)). The obligations under this Act are primarily directed towards aircraft owners and operators of Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes. They must ensure that the specified modifications to the rudder pedals are completed before the stipulated deadline of 30 April 1964 (105(3)). This means that all applicable aircraft must have the inboard rudder pedals modified in accordance with the specified drawing to prevent any risk of pedal interference during flight. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and failure to adhere to these requirements can have significant safety implications. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the regulation, non-compliance can lead to potential safety hazards, including the risk of an in-flight emergency due to rudder pedal interference. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance through administrative actions, which may include grounding the aircraft until the modifications are completed. In extreme cases, persistent non-compliance could result in legal action against the aircraft owner or operator, potentially leading to fines or other penalties as determined by the relevant aviation authorities.