AD/PA-23/44 Amdt 1 - Pitch Trim Switch - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, address the need for ensuring safety in civil aviation. The regulations, particularly under PART 39 - 105, aim to maintain airworthiness standards for aircraft by issuing directives when necessary. One such directive, AD/PA-23/44 Amendment 1, pertains specifically to the modification of the pitch trim switch on Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, namely models PA-23-250 and PA-E23-250 with specific serial numbers and trim switch types. This directive was introduced to mitigate safety risks associated with the pitch trim switch and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1977. The policy objective behind these regulations is to ensure the continued safety and reliability of aircraft operations within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 – 105, specifically addresses the requirements for airworthiness directives pertaining to certain aircraft models. In this instance, the legislation applies to Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series aeroplanes, more precisely to the models PA-23-250 and PA-E23-250 that have serial numbers within the specified range and are equipped with a Rocker Type Trim Switch on the Pilot’s Control Wheel. The regulation mandates compliance with modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 527 or the equivalent Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Directive 77-09-10, within 100 hours of time in service following 28 February 1977. This legislation is applicable nationally across Australia and falls under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope of this directive does not explicitly exclude any entities or industries, but rather focuses on ensuring the safety of specific aircraft models through required modifications. Any further extension or restriction of application is subject to subordinate instruments as determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that certain Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes must adhere to specific airworthiness directives (ADs) to ensure safety. The AD/PA-23/44 Amendment 1 pertains to the modification of the pitch trim switch on the pilot's control wheel for models PA-23-250 and PA-E23-250 with serial numbers 27-3837 through 27-4796, which are fitted with a rocker type trim switch (section 39-105). The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 28 February 1977. This directive references either Piper Service Bulletin No. 527 or FAA AD 77-09-10 as the documentation to be followed for the modification. Compliance with these airworthiness directives entails that aircraft operators must ensure the specified modifications are completed by qualified personnel, following the instructions outlined in the referenced documentation. This includes verifying the aircraft's serial number and the type of trim switch installed, ensuring that the modification is applicable. Operators must keep detailed records of the modifications performed and ensure that the aircraft is airworthy before returning it to service. Failure to comply with these ADs can result in serious safety concerns, leading to potential enforcement actions. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take various actions, including grounding the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. The penalties for non-compliance can be significant, both financially and operationally, as CASA may impose fines, and in severe cases, the aircraft may be subject to revocation of its certificate of airworthiness. The maximum penalties can include substantial fines and possible criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an accident or serious safety incidents. It is imperative for operators to adhere strictly to these regulations to maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.