AD/PA-23/61 Amdt 2 - Flap Outboard Hinges - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B05488, introduced specific airworthiness directives to enhance the safety and operational standards of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument is a response to the identified safety concerns associated with the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the flap outboard hinges. The problem it addresses is the potential for structural failure in the flap outboard hinges, which could lead to critical in-flight incidents. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the policy objective is to ensure the continuous airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections and necessary replacements of the specified components to mitigate any associated risks. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with specific timelines set for inspections and replacements to ensure the ongoing safety of the aircraft in operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all persons, entities, and aircraft operating within the Australian Commonwealth. Specifically, the referenced regulation applies to all model PA-23-250 aeroplanes with serial numbers falling within the range 27-3050 to 27-7405330. This regulation pertains to the inspection and replacement of flap outboard hinges on the specified Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, ensuring compliance with safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation mandates that inspections for cracks and clearance must be conducted using a 10 power magnifying glass when the flaps are in the full down position, and these inspections must be performed on all referenced aeroplanes, even those that have undergone previous hinge replacements as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 408A. The compliance schedule requires inspections to occur within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1975 and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours thereafter until the hinges are replaced in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 408B. Hinge replacement must occur at the next Major Inspection following 30 September 1975. The scope of this regulation is confined to the specified model and serial numbers of the Piper PA-23 aeroplanes and does not extend to other aircraft or aviation activities unless explicitly stated in subordinate instruments or additional amendments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/PA-23/61 Amendment 2 concerning Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes. The directive applies to all model PA-23-250 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 27-3050 to 27-7405330 (section 1). The main requirements of this directive are to inspect the flap outboard hinges for cracks using a 10-power magnifying glass and to check the clearance between the outboard flap hinge and the aileron and flap hinge bracket assembly (section 2). Furthermore, the flap outboard hinge must be replaced in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 408B (section 3). These inspections and replacements are mandatory and must be performed within specific timeframes to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by the AD/PA-23/61 Amendment 2 require aircraft operators to comply with the inspection and replacement requirements outlined. Operators must ensure that the inspection of the flap outboard hinges for cracks and clearance is performed on all applicable aeroplanes, including those that have had the hinges replaced in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 408A. Additionally, the replacement of the flap outboard hinge must be carried out at the next major inspection after 30 September 1975, and the inspections must be performed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1975 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until the replacement is completed (section 4). Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in the aeroplane not meeting the necessary airworthiness standards. Breaching the requirements stipulated in AD/PA-23/61 Amendment 2 can result in significant consequences. If an operator fails to comply with the mandated inspections and replacements, the aeroplane may be deemed unairworthy. This can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including the potential for grounding the aircraft until the necessary work is completed. Additionally, the operator may face financial penalties and legal repercussions, which can include prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties for non-compliance can vary, but they may include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight of the aeroplane's maintenance.