AD/PA-31/40 Amdt 1 - Landing Gear Selector Cable Attachment Pin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by PART 39 - 105, establish the framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. One such regulation pertains to Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the landing gear selector cable attachment pin through Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/40 Amendment 1. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to mitigate the risk of the landing gear selector cable forward attachment pin assembly becoming detached from the powerpack control arm. Such a detachment could result in the loss of landing gear retraction or extension, thereby compromising flight safety. The directive was introduced to ensure that the specified models and serial numbers of Piper PA-31 aircraft are modified to include a safety lock wire, in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin 488. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 22 May 1997. The primary objective of this regulation is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by preventing potential failures in the landing gear system.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australian airspace. The AD/PA-31/40 Amendment 1 pertains to specific Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, including models PA-31, PA-31-325, PA-31P, and PA-31T, with serial numbers ranging from 31-7300950 through 31-7652032. This legislation requires the modification of the landing gear selector cable forward attachment pin assembly by installing a safety lock wire, following the instructions outlined in Piper Service Bulletin 488, to prevent potential separation of the pin assembly from the powerpack control arm, which could result in loss of landing gear retraction or extension. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 22 May 1997. The original directive, issued on 27 February 1976, specified similar modifications for the initial issue, aiming to address the same safety concerns. The amendment was issued to correct a previous inaccuracy in the applicability designation of Piper Model PA-31 aircraft, ensuring precise compliance with the intended aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, detail a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that govern various aspects of aircraft maintenance and operation, ensuring safety standards are upheld. One such directive, AD/PA-31/40 Amendment 1, pertains to the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, including models such as the PA-31, PA-31-325, PA-31P, and PA-31T (sections 39-105). This directive mandates modifications to the landing gear selector cable forward attachment pin assembly to prevent potential separation from the powerpack control arm, which could lead to a loss of landing gear retraction or extension. To comply with the requirements set out in this directive, owners or operators of the specified Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes must modify the landing gear selector cable forward attachment pin assembly by installing a safety lock wire in accordance with the instructions detailed in Piper Service Bulletin 488 (section 39-105). This modification must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after the amendment's effective date of 22 May 1997 (section 39-105). For the initial issue of this directive, compliance was required within 100 hours of time in service after 27 February 1976. The obligations imposed by this directive are stringent and aimed at ensuring the safety of the aircraft during operation. Owners or operators must ensure that the specified modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe to maintain airworthiness. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in significant safety risks, including the potential for loss of landing gear function, which could lead to catastrophic outcomes. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, while the regulations do not explicitly state penalties, the potential for civil or criminal liability is considerable. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in the grounding of the aircraft, fines, or other enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Additionally, pilots operating non-compliant aircraft could face severe consequences, including suspension or revocation of their pilot's license, as these regulations are critical to maintaining the safety standards necessary for civil aviation operations.