AD/PA-30/23 Amdt 2 - Stabilator Attachment Bolts - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, constitute a comprehensive framework governing civil aviation safety and operations. One pertinent piece of legislation within this regulatory structure is the "Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives" (CASA SAD), which includes directives such as AD/PA-30/23 Amendment 2 concerning Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This specific directive was introduced to address the issue of corrosion on stabilator attachment bolts, aiming to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft models. The policy objective of these regulations is to mandate regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential safety hazards, thereby protecting the integrity and safety of air travel. The CASA SAD operates under the auspices of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which is tasked with enforcing these directives to maintain high safety standards within the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically in section 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models within this series, mandating that the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) stabilator attachment bolts be removed and inspected for corrosion. The requirement necessitates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 January 1975, with subsequent inspections not exceeding intervals of three months until the bolts are replaced in accordance with Piper Service Letter No. 667. The directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and has a national reach within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all operators of these aircraft models adhere to the specified maintenance standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/PA-30/23 Amendment 2 pertains to the stabilator attachment bolts and requires a detailed inspection for corrosion (section 12/74). The directive applies to all models of PA-30 and PA-39 aeroplanes. According to the directive, the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) stabilator attachment bolts must be removed and inspected for signs of corrosion. This inspection is mandatory unless it has already been completed. The regulations impose specific obligations on the owners or operators of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the stabilator attachment bolts are inspected for corrosion within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1975. Following this initial inspection, the bolts must be inspected at intervals not exceeding three months until they are replaced in accordance with Piper Service Letter No. 667. This ongoing inspection requirement is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of its operation. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive and the stipulated inspection intervals can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to civil penalties, including fines. The maximum penalty for such an offence is prescribed under the Act, with specific amounts varying depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Additionally, non-compliance may result in the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and necessary repairs are completed, thereby affecting the operational readiness and potentially incurring further financial and logistical costs.