AD/PA-30/27 - Automatic Pilot Roll Servo Shear Pin - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, encompass a comprehensive framework governing the safety and operation of civil aviation within Australian airspace. Within this framework, Part 39 specifically addresses the airworthiness directives, which are regulatory mandates aimed at ensuring that aircraft meet safety standards. The legislative instrument F2006B05668 focuses on specific models of aeroplanes, such as the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 Twin Comanche series, and provides directives to address identified safety issues. This particular directive, AD/PA-30/27, targets the installation of an automatic pilot roll servo shear pin in model PA-30 aeroplanes equipped with specific automatic pilot systems to mitigate risks associated with the servo mechanism. The directive was introduced to address a recognised problem or gap in the existing safety protocols for these aeroplanes, ensuring that compliance is achieved within a specified timeframe to maintain airworthiness and safety standards. The objective of this legislative instrument, as mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to ensure that all relevant aircraft are brought into compliance with the specified safety directive within 200 hours of time in service after 30 September 1974. This directive is crucial for preventing potential mechanical failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. By mandating specific compliance timelines and referencing relevant service letters, the regulation aims to provide clear and enforceable guidelines for operators and maintainers of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the issuance of airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. This includes the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 series aeroplanes, where a directive (AD/PA-30/27) was issued concerning the installation of an automatic pilot roll servo shear pin. This directive applies to all model PA-30 aeroplanes equipped with the Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot AK089 or AK-89R, as specified in Piper SL No. 695 or Edo-Aire Mitchell SL ML38. Compliance with this directive is required within 200 hours of time in service after 30 September 1974. This regulation ensures that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting the integrity of civil aviation operations across the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for various aircraft. The regulation AD/PA-30/27 focuses on the Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes, requiring the installation of an automatic pilot roll servo shear pin for models fitted with specific automatic pilot units. This directive applies to all PA-30 aeroplanes equipped with the Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot AK089 or AK-89R. Compliance with this directive is necessary and must be achieved within 200 hours of time in service following 30 September 1974. The required documentation for compliance includes either Piper Service Letter No. 695 or Edo-Aire Mitchell Service Letter ML38. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the automatic pilot roll servo shear pin is installed on eligible Piper PA-30 aeroplanes within the stipulated timeframe. This installation is mandatory and must be completed as per the instructions provided in the referenced service letters. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft not meeting the required airworthiness standards set by CASA. Additionally, operators must maintain records of compliance, including the installation date and reference to the relevant service letter, for inspection by CASA. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/PA-30/27 can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, CASA has the authority to enforce compliance and can impose penalties for non-compliance. Specifically, operators found to be in breach of these directives may face fines, with the maximum penalty being substantial depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. Additionally, CASA may take enforcement actions such as grounding the aircraft until the required modifications are made, thereby impacting the operational readiness and safety of the aircraft. It is imperative for operators to adhere to these directives to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.