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-23/50
Amdt 1
Flap Control System and Bellcrank - Inspection 4/81
Applicability: All models PA-23/PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-23-250 and PA-23-250 (6 place) with S/Nos. prior to 27-8054060.
Document: Piper SB No. 671.
Note: FAA AD 81-04-05 amendment 39-4040 also refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, initially inspect within 100 hours time in service after achieving 1000 hours time in service since manufacture and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 500 hours time in service until modified in accordance with Piper SB 671.
Background: Reports received by the manufacturer indicate that cracks may develop in the flap control system components after 1000 hours time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This comprehensive piece of legislation establishes various regulations, including those that mandate the airworthiness of aircraft. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 focuses on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that aircraft and their components meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public. The problem this legislation addresses is the potential for structural failures or malfunctions in aircraft components that could compromise flight safety.
One example of an Airworthiness Directive issued under this legislation is AD/PA-23/50 Amendment 1, which pertains to the inspection of the flap control system and bellcrank in Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced in response to reports indicating that cracks may develop in the flap control system components after 1000 hours of time in service. The policy objective here is to mitigate the risk of such failures by mandating regular inspections and, if necessary, modifications to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and Schedule of Airworthiness Directives concerning the Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes, mandates the inspection of the flap control system and bellcrank for all models PA-23/PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-23-250 (6 place) with serial numbers prior to 27-8054060. This requirement is necessitated by reports of potential cracks in the flap control system components after 1000 hours of time in service. Compliance with these directives requires an initial inspection within 100 hours of time in service after the aeroplane has accumulated 1000 hours since its manufacture, followed by subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of time in service until the aeroplane is modified in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 671. This legislation applies under the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is consistent with FAA AD 81-04-05 amendment 39-4040. The scope of this Act ensures the ongoing airworthiness of the specified Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes by addressing the identified safety concerns.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. The relevant directive in this case is AD/PA-23/50 Amendment 1, which pertains to the flap control system and bellcrank of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models PA-23/PA-23-160, PA-23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-23-250 (6 place) with serial numbers (S/Nos.) prior to 27-8054060 (Section 39-105.01). It references Piper Service Bulletin No. 671 and FAA AD 81-04-05 amendment 39-4040. The directive mandates that unless the specified inspection has already been completed, an initial inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after the aeroplane has logged 1000 hours since manufacture. Following this initial inspection, further inspections must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of time in service until the aeroplane is modified in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin 671.
The obligations imposed by this directive include ensuring that the flap control system and bellcrank of the specified Piper PA-23 aeroplanes are inspected at the prescribed intervals to identify and address any potential cracks in the components. This is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all persons on board. Operators must keep detailed records of all inspections and any modifications made in accordance with the directive, as well as ensure that all inspections are conducted by appropriately qualified personnel.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive can result in serious safety implications. The regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance; however, non-compliance with CASA directives is generally treated as a breach of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Such breaches can lead to enforcement actions, including the issuance of compliance orders, fines, and potentially the grounding of the aircraft. In severe cases, it may result in criminal charges against the operators or responsible individuals, with penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment. The exact penalties are determined by the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any resultant harm or endangerment.