AD/PA-24/34 - Automatic Pilot Roll Servo Shear Pin - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One of the legislative instruments under these regulations, F2006B05533, addresses a specific safety concern for Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes. The problem it was introduced to address is the risk associated with the automatic pilot roll servo shear pin in certain models of these aircraft. The policy objective of this instrument is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by mandating the installation of a specific shear pin within a stipulated period after a particular date, thus mitigating potential mechanical failures and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This legislative instrument is part of a broader framework aimed at maintaining and improving the safety of civil aviation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically in Schedule 105, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft types, including Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models of Piper PA-24 aeroplanes fitted with specific Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot models, namely the AK066, AK083, AK083R, AK089, AK089R, and AK065E. Compliance with these directives is mandatory for aircraft that have accumulated 200 hours of time in service following 30 September 1974. The directives necessitate the installation of an automatic pilot roll servo shear pin as outlined in either Piper Service Letter No. 695 or Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Letter No. ML 38. The application of this regulation is nationwide, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring uniform safety standards across all states and territories within Australia. While the regulation itself does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, compliance is expected from all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance providers within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Part 39 - 105) as applied to Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes include the specific requirement under AD/PA-24/34 concerning the installation of an automatic pilot roll servo shear pin. This directive applies to all models of the Piper PA-24 series equipped with certain Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot systems, specifically AK066, AK083, AK083R, AK089, AK089R, and AK065E (sections referenced in parentheses). The requirement necessitates compliance within 200 hours of time in service after 30 September 1974. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties and entities it governs. For instance, it mandates that all operators of Piper PA-24 series aeroplanes with the specified automatic pilot systems must ensure that the installation of the automatic pilot roll servo shear pin is carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This involves either referring to Piper SL No. 695 or Edo-Aire Mitchell SL ML 38 for guidance on the installation process. The directive is designed to enhance the safety of the aircraft by mitigating the risk associated with the automatic pilot roll servo mechanism. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/PA-24/34 can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence. This can lead to various civil and criminal penalties. For example, a person who contravenes the provisions of the Act may be liable to a fine or imprisonment, or both. The exact penalties can vary depending on the specific nature and severity of the breach, but it is clear that the consequences can be severe. The importance of adhering to these regulations cannot be overstated, given the potential risks to safety and the legal ramifications of non-compliance.