AD/PA-23/76 Amdt 1 - Fuel System Control Cables - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are integral to ensuring the safety and regulation of civil aviation in the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses safety concerns by issuing mandatory safety directives for certain aircraft types. One such directive, AD/PA-23/76 Amendment 1, pertains to the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of fuel system control cables. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures due to cable degradation, thereby enhancing aviation safety. The objective of this particular directive is to ensure that all specified Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes undergo regular and thorough inspections of their fuel valve control cables to prevent potential hazards that could arise from cable damage or wear.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, outlines the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with a focus on Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes. The regulations apply to specific models of these aircraft, namely the PA-23 and PA-23-160 with serial numbers within certain ranges, and other variants with their respective serial number ranges. The directive mandates that fuel system control cables must be inspected for any signs of wear or damage such as cracks, sharp bends, or kinks, following specific inspection guidelines. This inspection requirement applies to aircraft with auxiliary fuel systems and must be performed using 10X power magnification. The compliance schedule mandates inspections within 100 hours of service following 31 January 1981, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service. The directive extends its applicability to include additional serial numbered aircraft as listed in FAA AD 80-18-10, ensuring comprehensive coverage and safety standards for the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandates airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. The directive AD/PA-23/76 Amendment 1 focuses on the inspection of fuel system control cables (1/81). This requirement applies to specific models and serial numbers of the Piper PA-23 series, particularly those equipped with auxiliary fuel systems. The directive mandates that inspections be carried out using a 10X power magnification to check all fuel valve control cable wires at each swivel fitting, idler control arm, and actuating lever for any signs of cracks, sharp radius bends, or kinks. These inspections should be guided by Piper Service Bulletin No. 507, which details the specific locations for these checks. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 80-18-10 Amendment 39-3903 also addresses this subject. The obligations imposed by this directive include a thorough inspection of the specified components within the stipulated time frame. Specifically, the inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service following 31 January 1981, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. Compliance with these inspection requirements is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft, ensuring that any potential issues with the fuel system control cables are identified and rectified promptly. Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in the airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority enforces these regulations strictly, and non-compliance can result in significant penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the directive itself, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to civil penalties, including fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the inspection intervals and procedures as mandated by the directive to ensure the safety and compliance of the aircraft in operation.