AD/PA-23/14 - Rudder Trim Tab Control Rod - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, establish the legislative framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations addresses the safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislative instrument, known as AD/PA-23/14, was enacted to address a specific safety concern identified with the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series aeroplanes. The instrument requires an immediate inspection of the rudder trim tab control rod in compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 159, reflecting CASA's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation. The objective of this directive is to ensure that any potential issues with the rudder trim tab control rod are identified and rectified promptly, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft in operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, apply to Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates the inspection of the rudder trim tab control rod, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 159, to be conducted forthwith. The directive applies to all persons or entities involved in the operation of the specified model of aeroplanes, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The scope of this regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing uniformity in aircraft maintenance practices. The regulation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the provided text, and compliance is required immediately upon notification. This directive is integral to maintaining airworthiness and ensuring the safe operation of the specified aircraft models within Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, AD/PA-23/14) pertain to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the rudder trim tab control rod inspection. The directive mandates that owners or operators of these aircraft must conduct a thorough inspection of the rudder trim tab control rod as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 159. Compliance with this directive is required immediately (section 39.105). The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties or entities it governs. Firstly, it mandates that the inspection be carried out forthwith upon the issuance of the directive. The inspection must be performed by a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer or by an appropriately certified individual in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Piper Service Bulletin No. 159. Any identified issues must be rectified before the aircraft is returned to service. Furthermore, documentation of the inspection and any subsequent repairs must be retained in the aircraft's maintenance records, ensuring a clear and verifiable audit trail (section 39.105). Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against non-compliant aircraft operators, which could include grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed. From a legal standpoint, non-compliance can lead to civil penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can include fines of up to $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations, alongside potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to safety hazards or incidents. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the prescribed safety directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft (section 39.105).