COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-23/15 Stabiliser Attachment Fittings - Replacement NK
of P/N 17093-00 with P/N 17093-03
Applicability: Model PA-23 with S/Nos. 23-1 to 23-1219. Document: 1. Piper SB No. 160; or
2. FAA AD 58-1-6.
Compliance: Forthwith.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05448, introduce specific airworthiness directives to address safety issues in certain aircraft models, particularly focusing on the Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes. This legislative measure was enacted to ensure that the stabilising mechanisms of these aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thereby mitigating the risks associated with potential structural failures. The objective of this regulation is to mandate the replacement of specific stabiliser attachment fittings, particularly for Piper PA-23 models with serial numbers ranging from 23-1 to 23-1219, with a view to enhancing overall flight safety and preventing accidents attributable to structural deficiencies. This directive aligns with the overarching policy objective of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintain and improve airworthiness standards across all commercial and private aviation activities within Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue airworthiness directives that are applicable to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all individuals or entities operating these specific model aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 23-1 to 23-1219. The directive requires immediate compliance with the replacement of stabiliser attachment fittings, specifically substituting part number 17093-00 with part number 17093-03, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 160 or Federal Aviation Administration AD 58-1-6. This legislation operates within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to both domestic and international flights conducted by Australian operators. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified in this particular directive, and compliance is mandatory without any stated thresholds. The applicability of such directives can be extended or further specified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-23/15 concerning the Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes, specifically the Apache and Aztec models. This directive mandates the replacement of certain stabiliser attachment fittings on these aircraft. According to Section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the directive applies to all Piper PA-23 models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 23-1 to 23-1219 (Section 39.105). The compliance requirement is immediate, or "forthwith," as stated in the directive, meaning that affected aircraft must undergo the specified modifications without delay (Section 39.105(1)).
The obligations under AD/PA-23/15 are straightforward but critical for the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Operators and owners of Piper PA-23 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must ensure that the stabiliser attachment fittings identified as P/N 17093-00 are replaced with fittings identified as P/N 17093-03. This replacement must be carried out in accordance with either Piper Service Bulletin No. 160 or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 58-1-6 (Section 39.105(2)). The directive also requires operators to maintain records of compliance, including documentation of the replacement and any relevant maintenance logs (Section 39.105(3)).
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-23/15 can result in serious consequences. According to Section 39.105(4) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence. This offence is subject to civil penalties, including fines, as well as potential criminal penalties, which may include imprisonment, for individuals or companies found guilty of breaching the regulations (Section 39.105(4)). The specific penalties can vary based on the nature and severity of the breach, but the regulations provide for significant deterrents to ensure adherence to safety standards.