AD/PA-30/4 - Auto-Pilot Pitch Servo Motor - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B05678, addresses a problem related to the airworthiness of Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the auto-pilot pitch servo motor. This regulation was introduced to ensure that all models fitted with the Mitchell Altimatic 2 Auto-Pilot comply with the required safety standards without delay. The overarching policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by issuing authoritative directives that must be strictly adhered to, thus ensuring that all airworthy requirements are met to safeguard both passengers and crew. The regulation, being part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and mandates that compliance with the specified modifications must be achieved forthwith. This ensures that any potential safety risks associated with the auto-pilot pitch servo motor in the mentioned aircraft models are mitigated promptly, thereby maintaining the high standards of safety and reliability in civil aviation as intended by the legislation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes that are fitted with a Mitchell Altimatic 2 Auto-Pilot. The regulation mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning modifications to the auto-pilot pitch servo motor, as outlined in AD/PA-30/4. This applies to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard of aviation safety across all states and territories. Compliance with these directives is required immediately upon issuance, as indicated by the term "forthwith". The regulation does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions but requires adherence to the specified service bulletins, Piper SB No. 224 and Mitchell SB No. A55, for the implementation of the required modifications. The scope of this regulation is narrowly tailored to address specific safety concerns related to the auto-pilot system in these aircraft models, and its enforcement is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly as they pertain to the Piper PA-30 & 39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes, focus on ensuring that these aircraft meet specific safety standards (Part 39 - 105). One critical section, AD/PA-30/4, mandates modifications to the auto-pilot pitch servo motor, which is particularly relevant for all models fitted with the Mitchell Altimatic 2 Auto-Pilot. This directive requires compliance with the specifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 224 and Mitchell Service Bulletin No. A55, and the modification must be carried out immediately (forthwith) to ensure airworthiness (Section 39 - 105). The Act imposes several obligations on the parties or entities it governs. Owners and operators of Piper PA-30 & 39 aeroplanes must ensure that their aircraft meet the specified safety requirements. This includes adhering to the compliance timeline, which mandates that the auto-pilot pitch servo motor modifications be completed immediately. Additionally, the operators must maintain accurate records of the modifications and ensure that the aircraft are inspected and certified as airworthy following the required changes (Section 39 - 105). Breaches of these safety directives can lead to serious consequences. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Civil penalties may be imposed for non-compliance, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against individuals or entities responsible for the failure to adhere to the regulations. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines and, in cases of wilful or reckless disregard for the regulations, imprisonment (Section 39 - 105). It is imperative that all parties involved strictly adhere to the requirements to avoid these severe repercussions.