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-23/65 Automatic Pilot Roll Servo Shear Pin - Installation 9/74
Applicability: All models fitted with Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot AK090, AK081, AK081R, AK067 or AK079E.
Document: Piper SL No. 695; or
Edo-Aire Mitchell SL ML38.
Compliance: Within 200 hours time in service after 30 September 1974.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation within the country. This legislation addresses the need for stringent safety standards to ensure the protection of passengers, crew, and the general public. A specific legislative instrument within this framework, F2006B05492, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, specifically focusing on the automatic pilot roll servo shear pin installation. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the automatic pilot system in these aircraft models, ensuring continued safety and compliance with civil aviation standards. The policy objective behind this regulation is to mandate timely compliance with specified maintenance and installation procedures to prevent mechanical failures and enhance overall flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, with particular focus on AD/PA-23/65 concerning the installation of an automatic pilot roll servo shear pin. This legislation applies to all models within the specified series that are fitted with certain Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot units, namely the AK090, AK081, AK081R, AK067, or AK079E, identifiable by Piper Service Letters (SL) No. 695 or Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Letters (SL) ML38. The requirement for compliance is within 200 hours of time in service after 30 September 1974. This directive sets forth specific technical standards and compliance timelines that must be adhered to, ensuring the airworthiness and safety of these aircraft models within the Australian jurisdiction. The legislation does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the outlined compliance period and aircraft model requirements. The applicability of these directives may also be extended or refined through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the installation of a shear pin in the automatic pilot roll servo of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series aeroplanes fitted with certain models of Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot. Section 39.105 addresses the applicability of the directive, identifying the specific models AK090, AK081, AK081R, AK067 or AK079E as requiring the installation of the shear pin (section 39.105(1)). Compliance must be achieved within 200 hours of time in service after 30 September 1974 (section 39.105(2)).
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators or owners must ensure that the shear pin is installed in the automatic pilot roll servo of the identified Piper PA-23 aeroplanes within the stipulated timeframe (section 39.105(2)). This requirement applies to any aeroplane that meets the specified criteria, including those fitted with the listed Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot models (section 39.105(1)). Failure to comply with these directives may render the aircraft non-airworthy, impacting its ability to operate legally under Australian civil aviation law.
Breach of these provisions can result in significant consequences. Section 39.105 outlines potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Operators who fail to adhere to the requirements may face enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of the penalty can vary based on the circumstances of the breach, but the overarching goal is to ensure compliance to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.
In terms of maximum penalties, while the specific figures are not detailed in the legislative instrument provided, it is understood that breaches of civil aviation regulations can attract substantial fines and other legal consequences. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific breach and the discretion of the enforcement authority. It is crucial for operators to ensure strict adherence to these directives to avoid any adverse legal and operational repercussions.