AD/PA-31/102 Amdt 2 - Flap Travel Restriction and Wing Flap Flexible Drive Shaft

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B05688, specifically address the safety of Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was enacted to address issues related to the reliability and safety of the wing flap flexible drive shaft in certain Piper PA-31T Cheyenne models. The problem identified was the malfunction of the flap system, leading to safety concerns. The policy objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by implementing necessary modifications and operational changes. Compliance with these amendments is mandatory and must be effected from 30 June 1982, aligning with the requirement document that outlines the specific actions required to mitigate the identified safety risks. This regulatory action was introduced by the Australian Government, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high safety standards within the civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/PA-31/102 Amendment 2, applies to all Piper PA-31T Cheyenne models with serial numbers referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 741 or subsequent issues. This legislation falls under the purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and mandates specific modifications to the aircraft's operation to address documented issues with the wing flap flexible shaft assemblies. The requirement necessitates compliance with the service bulletin, including increasing the landing distances by 15% and approach speeds by 5 knots when the maximum flap travel is restricted to 15 degrees. The compliance date for these modifications is set from 30 June 1982. The regulation extends its jurisdiction throughout the Commonwealth of Australia and requires adherence by all relevant parties, including aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified Piper PA-31T Cheyenne models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives that mandate specific actions for aircraft safety. The particular directive AD/PA-31/102 Amendment 2 applies to all models of Piper PA-31T Cheyenne aeroplanes, identified by their serial numbers (Section 1). The directive is applicable to those aeroplanes referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 741, or those with serial numbers referenced in subsequent issues of that Service Bulletin (Section 2). The primary requirement of this directive is that operators must comply with Piper Service Bulletin No. 741, which outlines specific actions to address flap system malfunctions caused by failures in the wing flap flexible shaft assemblies (Section 3). Additionally, when the maximum flap travel is limited to 15 degrees, operators must increase the Australian Flight Manual landing distances by 15% and the approach speeds by 5 knots (Section 4). These changes need to be documented in the Australian Flight Manual, with amendments approved by the Department of Aviation and available from Regional Offices (Section 5). Operators of Piper PA-31T Cheyenne aeroplanes must adhere to the requirements set out in the directive to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. This involves following the detailed actions specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 741, which may include inspections, repairs, or replacements of the wing flap flexible shaft assemblies. Operators must also ensure that any modifications to the flight manual are accurately documented and reflect the increased landing distances and approach speeds as mandated (Section 6). Compliance with these requirements must be achieved by 30 June 1982 (Section 7). This directive ensures that all relevant aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards to prevent potential malfunctions and ensure safe operation. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-31/102 Amendment 2 may result in serious safety issues, as the directive addresses known flap system malfunctions that could compromise flight safety. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The specific consequences for breach of this directive are not detailed in the excerpt provided, but generally, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of the penalty depends on the extent of non-compliance and the risk posed to aviation safety (Section 8). Operators must be aware of the maximum penalties that could apply for breach of airworthiness directives. While the exact penalties are not specified in the provided text, typically, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in substantial fines and other legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who fail to comply with airworthiness directives, which may include civil penalties, administrative actions, or even criminal charges in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct (Section 9). Ensuring strict adherence to the requirements of AD/PA-31/102 Amendment 2 is crucial to avoid these potential consequences and maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.