AD/PA-23/16 - Rudder Trim Tab Adjustment Screw P/N 18453-00 - Replacement with P/N 18453-00

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament, form the regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety. In addressing specific safety concerns for certain aircraft models, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives outlines mandatory safety directives. One such directive, AD/PA-23/16, pertains to the replacement of the rudder trim tab adjustment screw (NK P/N 18453-00) in Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 23-1 to 23-1253. The directive aims to rectify safety issues identified through Piper Service Bulletin No. 162 and FAA AD 58-4-3, ensuring compliance must be achieved immediately to maintain airworthiness and safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/PA-23/16, pertains to Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 23-1 to 23-1253. This directive applies to all persons and entities operating these specific models within the Australian jurisdiction, including private and commercial aviation operators. The directive mandates immediate compliance with the replacement of the rudder trim tab adjustment screw (NK P/N 18453-00) as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 162 or FAA AD 58-4-3. The requirement extends nationally, ensuring that all such aircraft within Australia adhere to the specified modifications for continued airworthiness. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and it applies to all specified aircraft regardless of their operational context or location within Australia. Subordinate instruments may provide additional details or clarifications to aid in the implementation of this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) under PART 39 - 105 specifically addresses the airworthiness of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes through AD/PA-23/16, which concerns the rudder trim tab adjustment screw. According to section (1), the directive applies to Piper PA-23 and PA-23-160 models with serial numbers ranging from 23-1 to 23-1253. Compliance with this directive is mandated forthwith, as per the provisions of section (2), requiring immediate action to replace the NK P/N 18453-00 rudder trim tab adjustment screw with P/N 18453-00, as referenced in either Piper SB No. 162 or FAA AD 58-4-3. This ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the obligations and requirements imposed on the parties or entities governed by AD/PA-23/16 are clear and specific. Operators and owners of the affected Piper PA-23 and PA-23-160 aircraft models must ensure that the rudder trim tab adjustment screw is replaced in accordance with the directive. This involves sourcing the correct replacement part (P/N 18453-00) and ensuring that any modifications or replacements are performed by authorised personnel, in accordance with the relevant technical documentation. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to significant operational disruptions and safety risks. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose serious consequences for non-compliance with AD/PA-23/16. Section (3) outlines that failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance, penalties may include fines, the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, or even criminal charges for individuals or entities responsible for the oversight. The maximum penalties are not specified in the provided text, but they are generally aligned with the severity of the breach and its potential impact on aviation safety. Ensuring adherence to the directive is therefore not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical safety measure.