AD/PA-23/74 - Stabilator Trim Control Rod to Tab Attachment - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation Amendment (Airworthiness) Regulations 2006, contain a schedule of airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. One such directive, AD/PA-23/74, applies specifically to Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, mandating inspections on the stabilator trim control rod to tab attachment. This directive was introduced to address potential safety concerns associated with the specified aircraft models, ensuring that the structural integrity of the stabilator trim control system is maintained. The regulations were enacted by the Australian Parliament to provide a comprehensive framework for the safety oversight of civil aviation activities, and the policy objective is to mitigate risks and enhance the safety standards of aircraft operations within Australia. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within the stipulated timeframes to ensure continued airworthiness and adherence to safety regulations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the legislative instrument F2006B05501, specifically address the airworthiness directives related to certain Piper PA-23 aeroplanes, including the Apache and Aztec models. The regulations pertain to the stabilator trim control rod to tab attachment, requiring a mandatory inspection as outlined in AD/PA-23/74, effective from 4/78. This directive applies to all model PA23-250(6) place Aztec “F” aircraft with specific serial numbers, mandating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 April 1978. The regulations are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and apply across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these specified aircraft models. The scope of the legislation is limited to these particular aircraft models and serial numbers, with compliance being overseen by CASA to ensure adherence to safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, section 105, specify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes detailed requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of various aircraft types. Section AD/PA-23/74 specifically pertains to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. It mandates an inspection of the stabilator trim control rod to tab attachment. This directive, issued in April 1978, applies to specific serial numbers of the PA23-250(6) Aztec “F” models. These aircraft must comply with the inspection requirements outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 590 within 100 hours of time in service following 30 April 1978. Entities governed by these regulations must adhere to the inspection requirements specified in the Piper Service Bulletin No. 590. The obligations include ensuring that the stabilator trim control rod to tab attachment is inspected for any signs of wear, damage, or failure. This involves a thorough examination by qualified personnel, who must document the inspection results and any necessary repairs or replacements. Ensuring compliance with these directives is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, and failure to do so could result in serious safety risks. Non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to various consequences. Under section 105, there are specific offences outlined for failure to adhere to airworthiness directives. These may include civil penalties, such as fines, as well as potential criminal charges in cases of gross negligence or willful disregard of safety regulations. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring aircraft safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to take enforcement actions, including grounding non-compliant aircraft, which can have severe operational and financial repercussions for the operators.