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-23/56 Fire-Proofing Turbo-Charger Oil Tanks in Engine Compartment
4/73
Applicability: All models equipped with turbochargers having separate oil tanks installed in the engine compartment forward of the firewall.
Requirement: 1. Inspect all aircraft fitted with turbochargers for the installation of a separate turbocharger oil supply tank. (This tank is not installed on aircraft where the turbocharger oil system is supplied from the engine sump).
2. If this tank is of aluminium alloy construction or other non- fireproof material, replace the tank and fittings with a fire proof equivalent or render the tank fireproof in accordance with an approved scheme, or remove the tank from the engine compartment and re-install behind the firewall in accordance with an approved scheme. The cut-outs in the firewall for the drain plug and oil level sight tube must also be sealed and rendered fire proof.
3. Inspect all line assemblies carrying flammable fluids in the engine compartment to ensure they are fire resistant to the extent of being capable of withstanding exposure to flame at a temperature of 1093º + 28ºC for five minutes without failure. Free hose and clamp assemblies shall not be used in such lines. This requirement need not apply to breather, vent or drain lines, the failure of which will not result in or add to a fire hazard. ANO Section 101.22 para. 6.25 also refers.
Note: Flexible hose assemblies approved as “fire resistant” by the British CAA or complying with the requirements of FAA Technical Standard Order C53A of Type C or D hoses are acceptable. Rigid lines and fittings composed of steel or copper base alloy are also acceptable.
Compliance: At next major inspection after 30 April 1973 or before 30 June 1974 whichever occurs first.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05483, address specific safety concerns associated with Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes equipped with turbochargers. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, these regulations aim to mitigate fire risks in the engine compartment by ensuring that turbocharger oil tanks are fireproof and that associated lines carrying flammable fluids are fire-resistant. This directive is intended to ensure that all applicable aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thus enhancing overall aviation safety. The policy objective of these regulations is to reduce the risk of fire hazards by mandating specific modifications and inspections of critical components on affected aircraft, thereby safeguarding both the aircraft and its occupants.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as detailed in PART 39 - 105, mandates specific safety directives for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes equipped with turbochargers. These regulations apply to all models of this aircraft series that have turbochargers with separate oil tanks installed in the engine compartment forward of the firewall. The primary objective of this directive is to ensure that these oil tanks are fireproof to mitigate the risk of fire in the engine compartment. This requirement is integral to maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft and is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive does not extend to tanks supplied from the engine sump, and certain exemptions apply to breather, vent, or drain lines where their failure would not result in or contribute to a fire hazard. Compliance with these safety measures is mandated at the next major inspection following 30 April 1973, but no later than 30 June 1974.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate that all Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series aeroplanes equipped with turbochargers must have separate turbocharger oil supply tanks installed in the engine compartment forward of the firewall inspected. If these tanks are made of aluminium alloy or any non-fireproof material, they must be replaced with fireproof equivalents or rendered fireproof in accordance with an approved scheme. Alternatively, the tank can be removed from the engine compartment and re-installed behind the firewall with proper fireproofing of the firewall cut-outs for the drain plug and oil level sight tube. Additionally, all line assemblies carrying flammable fluids in the engine compartment must be inspected to ensure they are fire-resistant, capable of withstanding exposure to flame at a temperature of 1093º + 28ºC for five minutes without failure. This inspection is required at the next major inspection after 30 April 1973, or before 30 June 1974, whichever occurs first.
The obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by this Act include ensuring that the inspection and any necessary modifications or replacements are performed by qualified personnel and in accordance with the approved schemes mentioned. Owners and operators of Piper PA-23 aircraft must ensure that their aircraft comply with these requirements to maintain airworthiness. The regulations also mandate that all line assemblies carrying flammable fluids in the engine compartment must be fire-resistant, and any free hose and clamp assemblies must not be used in such lines unless they comply with the specified standards. The approval of the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or compliance with the FAA Technical Standard Order C53A of Type C or D hoses is acceptable for flexible hose assemblies, while rigid lines and fittings composed of steel or copper base alloy are also deemed acceptable.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against non-compliance, which can include fines, suspension, or revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness. Additionally, any violations of the regulations may also lead to criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalties for contravening the regulations include fines of up to $126,000 for individuals and $630,000 for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment for serious breaches. Operators and owners must therefore ensure strict adherence to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and to maintain the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Regulations.