AD/PA-23/57 - Wing Leading Edge - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation safety within the country. One specific legislative instrument within this body of regulations is the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes AD/PA-23/57, which was introduced to address safety concerns related to the wing leading edge of the Piper PA-23-250 models with serial numbers ranging from 27-4766 to 27-4820. The instrument requires compliance with modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 385, mandating that these modifications be implemented within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 29 June 1973. This directive aims to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft, addressing any identified structural deficiencies in the wing leading edge.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all model PA-23-250 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 27-4766 to 27-4820, mandating compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning wing leading edge modifications. This regulation applies to the modification outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 385 and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 29 June 1973. The legislation operates under the Commonwealth of Australia and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It sets forth specific technical requirements and safety standards for the affected aircraft, ensuring adherence to prescribed modifications to maintain airworthiness. This directive does not extend to other aircraft models or serial numbers outside the specified range and is applicable within the national jurisdiction of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, Section 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes. This includes AD/PA-23/57, which mandates modifications to the wing leading edge. This directive applies to all model PA-23-250 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 27-4766 to 27-4820. Compliance with these modifications is required within 100 hours of time in service after 29 June 1973, as documented in Piper Service Bulletin No. 385. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive include ensuring that the specified modifications are completed by the operator or owner of the affected aeroplanes. This involves inspecting the wing leading edge and implementing any necessary repairs or alterations as outlined in Piper SB No. 385. The regulations also require that all modifications be carried out by appropriately certified personnel, and that the aircraft be returned to service only after it has been inspected and certified as airworthy by CASA. Failure to comply with these directives can result in severe consequences. Section 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulates that non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to civil penalties, including fines. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations is specified as $27,500 for individuals and $137,500 for corporations. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance can also result in criminal charges, with the potential for imprisonment depending on the severity of the breach. It is imperative for operators and owners of the affected Piper PA-23 aeroplanes to adhere strictly to these directives to avoid such penalties and ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft.