AD/PA-23/79 - Stabilator Assembly Lower Surface - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure safety and efficiency within Australia's civil aviation sector. One specific aspect of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives, which are binding orders intended to ensure the continuing airworthiness of aircraft. The directive in question, AD/PA-23/79, pertains to the stabilator assembly lower surface inspection of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes, specifically targeting model PA-23-250 aircraft with certain serial numbers. The directive was introduced to address potential issues with the bonding of ribs and skins in the stabilator assemblies, as identified by the manufacturer in Piper Service Bulletin No. 606. The policy objective is to mitigate any safety risks associated with the improper bonding of these components, ensuring that the aircraft remain safe for operation. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Commonwealth of Australia, mandate that these inspections be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 31 October 1979, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours. Compliance with this directive is crucial to maintain the structural integrity and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models, thereby protecting passengers and crew and ensuring the overall safety of the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the maintenance and airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This legislation applies to all model PA-23-250 aeroplanes with specific serial numbers (27-7654001 to 27-7954044) that are fitted with stabilators also referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 606. This directive mandates that inspections of the stabilator assembly's lower surface must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1979 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the stabilator assembly is replaced or modified in accordance with the specified service bulletin. The legislation ensures that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to operate within Australian airspace. The application of these regulations is under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to civil aviation safety across the nation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/PA-23/79, pertain to the stabilator assembly of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. Section 10/79 requires that all model PA-23-250 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) between 27-7654001 and 27-7954044, and fitted with stabilator assemblies referenced in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 606, undergo an inspection of the stabilator assembly's lower surface. Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1979, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the stabilator assembly is replaced or modified in line with SB No. 606. This regulation is underpinned by Piper SB No. 606, which provides detailed guidance on the inspection process and the necessary modifications. The obligations imposed by AD/PA-23/79 on the parties or entities it governs primarily involve ensuring that the stabilator assembly of the specified Piper PA-23 aeroplanes is inspected in accordance with the outlined timeframes. Operators and owners of the affected aeroplanes must conduct or arrange for the inspections to be carried out by authorised personnel, ensuring that the stabilator assemblies are checked for proper bonding between the ribs and skins. This obligation extends to documenting the inspections and any subsequent modifications or replacements of the stabilator assemblies. Compliance with these obligations is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aeroplanes and ensuring safety standards are met. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, AD/PA-23/79 does not explicitly state specific offences or penalties within the provided text. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally subject to the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. Under these provisions, failure to comply with an airworthiness directive can result in civil penalties, including fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations, as well as potential criminal penalties. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to the grounding of the affected aeroplane, which could have significant operational and financial implications for the operator or owner. It is therefore imperative for all parties governed by AD/PA-23/79 to adhere strictly to the inspection requirements to avoid these adverse consequences.