AD/PA-23/67 - Throttle Control Shaft

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. These regulations form part of a broader legislative framework designed to address potential safety risks and operational inconsistencies within the aviation industry. A specific aspect of this legislation is found in Part 39 - 105, which outlines the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/PA-23/67, pertains to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting the throttle control shaft. This directive was introduced to address the identified risk of throttle control malfunctions in certain model PA23-250 aeroplanes, ensuring compliance within a stipulated timeframe to mitigate any potential safety hazards. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance airworthiness standards, thereby safeguarding the public and ensuring the safety of all aviation operations within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandates the Airworthiness Directives for the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all model PA23-250 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 27-7305074 to 27-7405460, specifically those that are normally aspirated. The directive is targeted at ensuring compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 451 and mandates that actions be taken within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1975. This regulation falls under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies nationally across Australia, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the required safety standards. The directive does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, but it is understood that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the specified compliance timeframe. The broad national scope of this regulation ensures consistency in aviation safety standards across the country, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining high safety benchmarks in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs), specifically AD/PA-23/67 concerning the throttle control shaft of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This directive is applicable to all model PA23-250 with serial numbers ranging from 27-7305074 to 27-7405460, and it applies only to normally aspirated engines (section 39.105(1)). The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 451 for compliance details (section 39.105(2)). The AD/PA-23/67 mandates that the throttle control shaft must be inspected and, if necessary, replaced or repaired within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1975 (section 39.105(3)). This requirement is aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft by addressing potential issues with the throttle control mechanism. Operators of the specified Piper PA-23 aeroplanes must adhere to these directives to maintain compliance with aviation safety standards. Failure to comply with AD/PA-23/67 can result in serious safety implications, including potential engine malfunctions or loss of control during flight. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with ADs, but general provisions within the Act outline severe consequences for violations that compromise safety. These may include enforcement actions, fines, or other regulatory sanctions up to a maximum penalty of $200,000 for corporations and $40,000 for individuals, as stipulated in section 12AB of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (section 39.105(4)). It is crucial for operators to meticulously follow these directives to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the safety of all air operations.