AD/PA-23/17 - Goodrich Wheel Assembly G-3-787 - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was enacted to establish and maintain the highest practicable level of safety in civil aviation within Australia. This legislative instrument, specifically PART 39 - 105, establishes a schedule of airworthiness directives, including AD/PA-23/17 which pertains to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes. This directive addresses the critical issue of wheel assembly integrity, focusing on the inspection of Goodrich Wheel Assembly G-3-787. The requirement outlined in this directive is to remove and inspect the wheels and tyres, with a particular focus on the flange area, to ensure no cracks are present, which could compromise the structural integrity of the wheels. Compliance with these directives is mandatory at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service and at each tyre change, ensuring continuous oversight and maintenance of safety standards in civil aviation. The policy objective behind these regulations is to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures due to wheel assembly defects, thereby safeguarding passengers, crew, and property. By mandating regular and rigorous inspections of the wheel assemblies, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to preempt potential hazards and maintain the reliability and safety of aircraft operations. The enactment of these regulations by the Australian Parliament underscores the commitment to upholding stringent safety standards within the civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all persons and entities involved with the operation of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes that are equipped with Goodrich G-3-787 wheels. This legislation sets forth mandatory airworthiness directives designed to ensure the safety of civil aviation by regulating the inspection and maintenance of these aircraft components. The regulations apply nationally across Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), ensuring a uniform approach to aircraft safety throughout the country. The directive mandates that inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service and at each tyre change, aiming to prevent operational risks associated with potential wheel defects. Exclusions or exemptions are not explicitly stated within the directive, which implies that all affected aircraft must comply with the specified inspection requirements without exception. The scope of this legislation can potentially be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in maintaining airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 and the Airworthiness Directives (AD) section, includes AD/PA-23/17 which pertains to the inspection of Goodrich Wheel Assembly G-3-787 on Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. According to section (1), the primary requirement is to remove the wheels and tyres from the aircraft and conduct a detailed inspection of the flange area of both wheel halves using a penetrant inspection method. This inspection is critical as it needs to detect any cracks that may appear on either the inner or outer surface of the flange. If any cracks are found, the defective wheel half must be removed from service, as per section (1)(b). The directive also references BF Goodrich Service Bulletin No. 102 and FAA AD 58-22-3, indicating that these documents may provide additional guidance or specifications for compliance. In terms of obligations, the operators and maintainers of Piper PA-23 aeroplanes equipped with Goodrich G-3-787 wheels must adhere to the inspection intervals specified in the regulations. According to section (1), these inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service and each time a tyre change is performed. This ensures that the wheels are regularly examined for any potential defects, thereby maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and non-negotiable, as the safety of flight operations depends on the integrity of the aircraft components. Failure to comply with the AD/PA-23/17 directive can result in serious legal and operational consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence. Section 45P of the Act stipulates that any person who contravenes an Airworthiness Directive may be liable to penalties. The maximum penalty for an individual is a fine of up to 500 penalty units or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. For a corporation, the maximum penalty is a fine of up to 2,500 penalty units. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the inspection requirements and maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft to ensure the safety of all those on board.