AD/PA-23/69 - Stabilator Tab - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, includes the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-23/69, which was enacted to address safety concerns regarding the stabilator tab in Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to rectify issues identified with certain model PA23-250 Aztec “F” aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 27-7654001 to 27-7654193. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1976, aligning with Piper Service Bulletin No. 514. The objective of this legislation is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these specific aircraft models by requiring modifications to the stabilator tab, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with their operation. This directive was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, to uphold stringent safety standards within the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), sets forth stringent safety standards and directives for civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/PA-23/69, which mandates modifications to the stabilator tab of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model PA23-250 Aztec "F" aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 27-7654001 to 27-7654193. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1976, ensuring that these specific aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The jurisdictional reach of this regulation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia and enforced by CASA. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all affected aircraft must comply with the directive. This requirement can be further elaborated or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, contain specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) that mandate certain modifications to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Section 105.01 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines the applicability and compliance requirements for AD/PA-23/69, which pertains to the stabilator tab modification for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. Specifically, this directive applies to all model PA23-250 Aztec "F" aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 27-7654001 to 27-7654193. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1976. The directive imposes specific obligations on the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. According to section 105.02, operators must ensure that the stabilator tab modification outlined in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 514 is carried out on the specified aircraft. This involves making necessary modifications to the stabilator tab to address any identified safety concerns. Section 105.03 mandates that these modifications be performed by appropriately certified maintenance personnel who have the requisite qualifications and training. Failure to comply with the AD/PA-23/69 directive can result in serious consequences. Section 105.04 outlines the potential penalties for non-compliance, which can include both civil and criminal liabilities. Civil penalties may include fines and other administrative sanctions, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment. The exact penalties are detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and are determined based on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety. Section 105.05 also stipulates that any non-compliance can lead to the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, which further underscores the importance of adhering to the directive.