AD/PA-23/73 - Stabilator Tab Horn - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, were introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to regulate and maintain high standards of airworthiness, safety, and efficiency within the aviation industry. The regulations encompass various aspects of aviation, including the operation of aircraft, pilot licensing, and the maintenance of airworthiness. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 play a crucial role in addressing safety concerns, ensuring compliance with international standards, and protecting the public from aviation-related risks. One particular aspect of the regulations is the requirement for specific aircraft models to adhere to Airworthiness Directives, such as the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes. The AD/PA-23/73, for example, mandates the replacement of the stabilator tab horn on certain model PA23-250 (6 Place) Aztec “F” aeroplanes within 100 hours of service after 31 October 1977. This directive aims to address safety issues and maintain the airworthiness of affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 and specifically Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-23/73, apply to a specific subset of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, namely the model PA23-250 (6 Place) Aztec “F” with serial numbers ranging from 27-7654001 to 27-7754127, 27-7754130, 27-7754131, 27-7754133 to 27-7754136 and 27-7754138 to 27-7754144. These regulations mandate the replacement of the stabilator tab horn to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft operators within the Commonwealth of Australia, imposing specific compliance requirements that must be adhered to by the identified aircraft. The requirement for compliance must be met within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1977. This legislation directly influences the safety standards of the specified aircraft, ensuring they meet the necessary safety criteria established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope and application of this regulation are limited to the specified model and serial numbers of the Piper PA-23 aeroplanes, and it does not extend to other aircraft models or series.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft types. One such directive is AD/PA-23/73, which pertains to the stabilator tab horn replacement for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes (section 105). This directive is applicable to all model PA23-250 (6 Place) Aztec "F" aircraft with specific serial numbers, as outlined in the document (section 105(1)). The compliance requirement is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1977. Under this regulation, the main operative sections mandate that certain Piper PA-23 aircraft must undergo a stabilator tab horn replacement as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 569. This involves replacing or modifying the stabilator tab horn to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. The requirement is clear and specific, detailing the aircraft models and serial numbers that are subject to this directive (section 105(1)). The obligations imposed by this Act include ensuring that the specified aircraft are inspected and, if necessary, the stabilator tab horn is replaced or modified within the stipulated timeframe. Operators and owners of the affected aircraft must ensure compliance with the directive to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness certification. This involves documenting the replacement or modification of the stabilator tab horn and ensuring that the work is carried out by appropriately qualified personnel (section 105(2)). Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against operators who do not adhere to the directive. This may include fines, suspension of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, or other regulatory actions. The maximum penalties for non-compliance are not specified in this particular directive but can include substantial fines under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (section 105(3)). The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.