AD/PA-23/70 Amdt 1 - Stabilator Tip Tube and Weight Assembly - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, encompasses amendments and directives essential for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such amendment is AD/PA-23/70 Amendment 1, which pertains to the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly of the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address identified issues with the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly, ensuring that these components meet necessary safety standards to prevent potential risks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority vested in it by the Australian Government, is responsible for enacting these regulations to ensure compliance and safety within the civil aviation sector. The policy objective of these directives is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by imposing specific inspection and modification requirements on certain aircraft models. This is achieved by setting clear timelines and procedures for compliance, ensuring that aircraft operators and maintenance personnel adhere to the necessary safety standards. The enactment of these regulations is a proactive measure to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the continued safety and reliability of aircraft operations within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the maintenance and inspection requirements for certain Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes, including the Aztec "F" models. This regulation applies to all aircraft of the model PA23-250 Aztec "F" with serial numbers ranging from 27-7654001 to 27-7754057. The directive mandates inspections and potential modifications to the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly to ensure continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The directive is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia and is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all specified aircraft meet the required safety standards. The regulations provide clear timelines for when inspections and modifications must be conducted relative to the aircraft's time in service following specific dates, thereby maintaining safety and compliance within the Australian aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes detailed provisions for maintaining the airworthiness of certain aircraft models. For instance, AD/PA-23/70 Amendment 1 pertains to the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, specifically model PA23-250 Aztec “F” with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 27-7654001 to 27-7754057. The directive requires inspections and modifications to these components, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletins (SB) No. 540 and 547. Under section 39 - 105, the regulations impose clear obligations on aircraft operators to ensure that the stabilator tip tube and weight assembly are inspected and, if necessary, modified as per the specified timelines. Operators must inspect the components within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1977 for the modifications detailed in Piper SB No. 540. Additionally, for the inspection and modifications outlined in Piper SB No. 547, operators must complete these actions within 200 hours of time in service after 31 March 1977, with a further inspection and modification requirement within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1977. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance in this section; however, non-compliance with CASA regulations generally can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of penalties may vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, and repeated violations may result in more severe sanctions. Operators must adhere to these directives to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.