AD/PA-23/23 - Rudder Tab Horn Bolt - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was introduced to provide comprehensive safety regulations for civil aviation within Australia. Among various safety directives, Part 39 - 105 specifically targets airworthiness directives for different aircraft types, ensuring that all commercial and private aviation activities adhere to stringent safety standards. One such directive, AD/PA-23/23, addresses the replacement of the rudder tab horn bolt in Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, aiming to rectify specific safety concerns identified in certain model series with serial numbers falling within a defined range. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a specified timeline for implementation to mitigate potential safety risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, apply to all persons and entities involved in the operation, maintenance, and oversight of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 – 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains to airworthiness directives which are legally binding instructions issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the continuing airworthiness of aircraft. This particular airworthiness directive, AD/PA-23/23, applies to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers falling within the specified range for model PA-23-250. The directive mandates the replacement of the rudder tab horn bolt within 25 hours of time in service after 25 October 1960, aligning with the instructions detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 196. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, thereby imposing a broad requirement across the specified aircraft fleet to ensure compliance with safety standards. The scope of this regulation extends across all Commonwealth jurisdictions within Australia, ensuring a uniform application of safety standards for civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) are comprehensive and include detailed provisions concerning aircraft airworthiness, with Part 39 specifically addressing the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD). Section 39.105 of this part pertains to specific ADs for certain aircraft models. For instance, AD/PA-23/23 concerns the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, focusing on the replacement of the rudder tab horn bolt. This directive applies to the Model PA-23-250 with serial numbers ranging from 27-7 to 27-317, with some exceptions detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 196. The compliance requirement necessitates that the specified maintenance action be completed within 25 hours of time in service after 25 October 1960. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for ensuring that the aircraft remains airworthy. Section 39.105(1) mandates that operators of the specified aircraft must adhere to the AD/PA-23/23 directive. This involves replacing the rudder tab horn bolt within the specified timeframe to maintain the structural integrity and operational safety of the aeroplane. Operators are expected to follow the detailed instructions provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 196 to ensure the replacement is carried out correctly and efficiently. Failure to comply with the AD/PA-23/23 directive can lead to significant legal and safety repercussions. Under Section 39.105(2), operators who do not adhere to the specified maintenance requirements may face enforcement actions from CASA. This could include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft. Such non-compliance not only risks the safety of the passengers and crew but also subjects the operator to potential civil or criminal liability. The specific penalties are outlined in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), where serious breaches can result in substantial fines and imprisonment for responsible individuals.