COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-23/75
Amdt 1
Rudder Upper and Lower Hinge Attachments - Inspection
9/80
Applicability: All models PA-23 and PA-23-160 with S/Nos. 23-1 and subsequent.
Requirement: 1. Remove the rudder upper hinge P/N 17063-03 and inspect the rudder upper hinge reinforcement bracket P/N 17067-18 or equivalent for cracks using a dye penetrant technique.
2. Inspect the rudder lower hinge bracket assembly P/N 17289-00 in the bearing area for cracks using a dye penetrant technique.
3. If cracks are found in the reinforcing bracket during the inspection of para. 1, remove the bracket and inspect the exposed spar web for cracks using a dye penetrant technique.
Note 1: A 10X glass may be used in lieu of a dye penetrant technique for recurring inspections.
Note 2: FAA AD 78-08-03 Amdt. 39-3339 refers to this inspection.
Compliance: 1 & 2 - Unless already accomplished, initially inspect within 100 hours time in service after 30 September 1980 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours time in service or 3 years whichever occurs first.
Background: This amendment reflects the current FAA inspection requirements as referenced in FAA AD 78-08-03 Amdt. 39-3339.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 as a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument was enacted to regulate and standardise safety procedures, thus addressing the need for a unified and stringent approach to aviation safety. The aim of the regulations is to mitigate risks associated with air travel, ensuring that aircraft, personnel, and operations meet the highest safety standards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are administered by CASA, which is tasked with enforcing these regulations to maintain and enhance aviation safety. This legislative instrument provides the regulatory backbone necessary to support Australia's commitment to international aviation safety standards, ensuring that all aspects of civil aviation are thoroughly regulated and overseen.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in PART 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically pertain to the inspection requirements for Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models PA-23 and PA-23-160 with serial numbers starting from 23-1 onwards. The directive mandates that the rudder upper hinge and the associated reinforcement bracket, as well as the rudder lower hinge bracket assembly, must be inspected for cracks using a dye penetrant technique. For recurring inspections, a 10X glass may be used as an alternative. The initial inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1980, and subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours of time in service or every three years, whichever comes first. This regulation ensures adherence to the safety standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration, as reflected in FAA AD 78-08-03 Amendment 39-3339.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate certain inspections for the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives (AD/PA-23/75 Amendment 1). Section 1 of these regulations requires the inspection of the rudder upper and lower hinge attachments. For the rudder upper hinge, it is necessary to remove the hinge (P/N 17063-03) and inspect the reinforcement bracket (P/N 17067-18 or equivalent) for cracks using a dye penetrant technique (section 1(1)). Additionally, the rudder lower hinge bracket assembly (P/N 17289-00) in the bearing area must also be inspected for cracks using the same technique (section 1(2)). If cracks are found in the upper hinge reinforcement bracket, it must be removed and the exposed spar web inspected for cracks (section 1(3)).
The regulations impose specific obligations on the parties responsible for the maintenance and inspection of these aircraft. Owners or operators must ensure that the initial inspections are conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1980, and subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours of time in service or 3 years, whichever comes first (section 1). Furthermore, while a dye penetrant technique is the primary method, a 10X magnifying glass may be used for recurring inspections (Note 1). This directive aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) AD 78-08-03 Amendment 39-3339, reflecting current inspection requirements (Note 2).
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant consequences. Although the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance in this section, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Such actions can include fines, enforcement notices, and potentially grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. In severe cases, this can also result in prosecution, leading to criminal penalties such as imprisonment, particularly if the non-compliance has caused harm or danger. The specific penalties are ultimately determined by the courts, but they can be severe given the importance of airworthiness for public safety.