AD/PA-23/51 Amdt 1 - Landing Gear Selector Lever - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, are a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation within the country. One particular regulation, AD/PA-23/51 Amendment 1, pertains to the inspection of landing gear selector levers on Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This regulation was introduced to address safety concerns related to the structural integrity of the landing gear selector levers on these specific aircraft models. The policy objective is to ensure the safety of air travel by requiring regular inspections of critical components to prevent potential failures that could compromise flight safety. This particular amendment focuses on inspecting the lever for cracks, particularly in areas where adhesive tape has been used, ensuring that such tape is not replaced over the area between the bends. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The enactment of these regulations by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in Australian civil aviation. The specific requirement to inspect and maintain the landing gear selector lever is a proactive measure to avoid in-flight incidents related to landing gear malfunctions. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 635 for further details, indicating a collaborative approach in addressing aviation safety issues. By implementing such stringent measures, the regulation aims to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety for operators and passengers alike.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the civil aviation sector within the Commonwealth of Australia, governing the airworthiness of aircraft, including Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates inspections of the landing gear selector lever on these aircraft models, namely the PA-23, PA-23-235, and PA-23-250, unless they are fitted with a specific landing gear selector lever P/N 761-213. The requirement is to inspect the lever P/N 752-303 for cracks near the two right-angle bends and ensure that adhesive tape used to secure warning light wires to the lever is not replaced over the area between the bends. Compliance with these directives is necessary at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The legislation does not extend to other aircraft models or types not specified within the directive. Any subordinate instruments or additional guidance issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority would further detail compliance and enforcement of these regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), under Part 39 - 105, specify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Within this, AD/PA-23/51 Amendment 1 pertains to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, focusing on the landing gear selector lever inspection (section 3/79). This directive applies to all models PA-23, PA-23-235, and PA-23-250, except those fitted with the landing gear selector lever P/N 761-213. The primary requirement is to inspect the landing gear lever P/N 752-303 for cracks, specifically in the vicinity of the two right-angle bends. Additionally, if adhesive tape has been used to secure the warning light wires to the lever, it must not be replaced over the area between the bends. This inspection is mandated to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. The Act imposes several obligations on the entities governed by these regulations. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-23 models must adhere to the inspection intervals outlined in the directive. Specifically, they must inspect the landing gear selector lever P/N 752-303 for cracks at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (section 3/79). Ensuring compliance with this requirement is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the landing gear system and preventing potential in-flight failures. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/PA-23/51 Amendment 1 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Civil penalties may include fines up to the statutory maximum for regulatory breaches, which can be substantial. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, which could result in imprisonment for individuals found guilty of disregarding these safety mandates. Compliance is not just a matter of legal obligation but a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft operations.