AD/PA-23/49 - Stabilator Bungee - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need for comprehensive regulation of civil aviation safety in Australia. This legislation is essential to ensure that all civil aviation activities comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was introduced to provide detailed instructions and mandates to maintain aircraft airworthiness. One such directive, AD/PA-23/49, pertains to the stabilator bungee installation in Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, aiming to ensure the safety and reliability of these aircraft models by specifying compliance requirements before 28 April 1972 as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 345. This directive underscores the policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation through precise regulatory oversight.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 pertaining to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, apply to aircraft within specified serial number ranges. This regulation directly impacts the owners and operators of the affected model PA-23-250 aeroplanes, with serial numbers falling between 27-4575 to 27-4587, 27-4589 to 27-4620, 27-4622 to 27-4672, 27-4674 to 27-4682, and 27-4684 to 27-4694. The directive mandates the installation of a stabilator bungee, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 345, and compliance must be achieved before 28 April 1972. This legislation is applicable nationwide, operating under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to aviation safety across all states and territories. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, thereby applying to all relevant aircraft within the designated serial number ranges. Furthermore, the application of these directives may be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Part 39 - 105) in relation to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/PA-23/49, focus on the stabilator bungee installation (section 1/72). This directive applies to specific serial numbers of the model PA-23-250, which are listed in the applicability section. The regulation mandates that the stabilator bungee must be installed in compliance with Piper SB No. 345 before any further flights can be conducted, with a compliance deadline set for 28 April 1972. These regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved, including aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. Aircraft operators must ensure that the stabilator bungee installation is carried out according to the specified requirements in Piper SB No. 345. Maintenance personnel must perform the installation correctly and verify that the aircraft meets all safety standards before it is returned to service. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious safety issues and potential legal repercussions. Breaching these regulations can lead to significant consequences. Under section 1/72, non-compliance with the stabilator bungee installation directive could result in civil penalties, including fines. The severity of the penalty depends on the extent of non-compliance and the risk posed to aviation safety. In extreme cases, failure to adhere to these safety directives could lead to criminal charges if it is determined that the non-compliance contributed to an accident or serious incident. The maximum penalties for such offences are detailed in the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and can include substantial fines and imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight or execution of the non-compliant work.