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-23/43
Amdt 1
Cleveland Wheel/Brake Assembly - Inspection and Modification
6/71
Applicability: All models fitted with 3080C Cleveland wheel/brake assemblies.
Requirement: 1. Remove brake disc assembly P/N 164-32 from the wheel and inspect the weld which attaches the disc to the cup using a 10X magnifying glass. If any cracks or other obvious defects are found replace the disc assembly as indicated in para. 3.
2. Replace brake disc P/N 164-32 with a one-piece brake disc P/N 164-32F in accordance with Cleveland SB No. ESB 7000-2 Rev(A) 251-2 dated 15 January 1971.
3. If a disc P/N 164-32F is not available replace with a disc P/N 164-32 manufactured after 23 May 1969.
Compliance: For para. 1 - Within 100 hours time in service after 30 June 1971 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until modified in accordance with para. 2.
For para. 2 - At next brake overhaul or brake disc replacement.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established by the Australian Parliament, are integral to the regulation of civil aviation within the country. One specific piece of legislation, F2006B05469, pertains to the safety of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to address specific safety concerns related to the wheel and brake assemblies of these aircraft models, particularly those fitted with 3080C Cleveland wheel/brake assemblies. The policy objective is to ensure that these assemblies are inspected and modified as necessary to prevent any potential safety issues arising from defects in the brake disc welds.
This legislative instrument, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates that brake disc assemblies on affected models must be inspected for cracks or defects and replaced if necessary. The requirement involves removing and inspecting the weld using magnification and replacing the disc assembly with a one-piece version if defects are found. The aim is to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft by ensuring the integrity of their braking systems, thereby enhancing overall flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes equipped with the 3080C Cleveland wheel/brake assembly. This directive, identified as AD/PA-23/43 Amendment 1, mandates the inspection and modification of the Cleveland wheel/brake assembly to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. The requirements outlined in this directive must be adhered to by all operators and owners of the specified aircraft models to maintain compliance with civil aviation safety standards. The scope of the directive includes the inspection of the weld attaching the brake disc to the cup and the subsequent replacement of the brake disc assembly if any defects are found. This mandate applies nationally across Australia, overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring a uniform standard of safety is maintained across all jurisdictions. The directive does not provide for any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all affected aircraft must comply with the specified requirements without exception.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-23/43 Amendment 1, pertain to the Cleveland Wheel/Brake Assembly for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. Section 1 of this directive requires that the brake disc assembly P/N 164-32 must be inspected for any cracks or defects after 100 hours of service following 30 June 1971, and then every 100 hours thereafter until the modification is completed. Section 2 mandates the replacement of the brake disc P/N 164-32 with a one-piece brake disc P/N 164-32F, as per Cleveland Service Bulletin No. ESB 7000-2 Rev(A) 251-2 dated 15 January 1971. If the P/N 164-32F disc is unavailable, a disc P/N 164-32 manufactured after 23 May 1969 must be used. Section 3 outlines the compliance requirement, which involves inspecting the brake disc assembly and making the necessary replacements at the next brake overhaul or brake disc replacement.
The obligations and requirements imposed by these provisions on the parties or entities governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 include ensuring that the inspection and replacement of the brake disc assembly is conducted meticulously and in accordance with the specified timelines and conditions. The regulations necessitate that the inspection and replacement must be performed by qualified personnel, using the appropriate tools and following the detailed instructions provided in the Cleveland Service Bulletin. The entities must also maintain records of the inspections and modifications performed, ensuring traceability and compliance with the regulatory requirements.
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-23/43 Amendment 1 can lead to serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance in this context; however, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can result in severe penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. These penalties can include substantial fines and potential criminal charges for individuals or corporations, as well as operational restrictions on the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. The exact penalties may vary based on the severity and frequency of non-compliance, but the overarching intent is to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained in civil aviation operations.