AD/PA-32/80 - Flap Handle Attach Bolt

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006, established a schedule of airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislation was introduced to address safety concerns and gaps in aircraft maintenance protocols, specifically targeting issues identified in the operation and maintenance of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Australian Parliament, implemented these regulations to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards, with a particular focus on preventing mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety. The overarching policy objective is to maintain the highest possible safety standards in civil aviation through proactive and prescriptive maintenance requirements. The specific airworthiness directive AD/PA-32/80 pertains to the flap handle attach bolt of the Piper PA-32 series aeroplanes. This directive was developed in response to reports of worn flap handle attach bolts and elongated holes in the flap lever to cable mounting attach point, which could potentially lead to a sudden retraction of the flaps and consequent loss of control. The directive mandates precise measurements and replacements of specific parts to mitigate these risks, ensuring that compliance is achieved within a specified timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes with Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-32/80. This directive applies to a range of serial numbers for the PA32-260, PA32-300, PA32-301, P32-301T, PA32R-300, PA32RT-300, PA32RT-300T, PA32R-301, and PA32R-301T models, as specified within the directive. The directive mandates several corrective actions to address safety concerns regarding the flap handle attach bolt, including measuring and enlarging the cable mounting attach hole, installing a new bushing, replacing the flap lever handle attach bolt, and inspecting and replacing damaged washers, nuts, and cotter pins. Compliance with these requirements is necessary upon the aeroplane reaching 2,000 hours in service or within 100 hours of 15 August 1996, whichever is later. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensures that all specified Piper PA-32 aeroplanes meet necessary safety standards to mitigate risks such as the sudden retraction of flaps and resultant loss of control.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39, Section 105, mandates certain actions for the maintenance and safety of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/PA-32/80. The directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of the PA32 series. The primary requirements involve measuring and modifying the cable mounting attach hole diameter, installing a new bushing, replacing the flap lever handle attach bolt with a new clevis bolt, and inspecting and replacing the washer, nut, and cotter pin if necessary. These actions must be performed in accordance with the instructions provided in Piper SB 965. The compliance deadline is set at 2,000 hours of time in service or within 100 hours of 15 August 1996, whichever comes later. The obligations under this directive are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the aforementioned modifications and inspections are carried out by qualified personnel following the detailed instructions provided in Piper SB 965. The directive also notes that the installation of a clevis bolt is mandatory, regardless of the condition of the existing part. This requirement underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the outlined procedures to mitigate the risk of flap handle failure, which could lead to severe consequences such as loss of control. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential outcomes may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, or other administrative actions deemed necessary to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards. In severe cases, such non-compliance could also lead to criminal charges if it is deemed to have caused harm or endangerment. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandate specific maintenance actions for Piper PA-32 series aeroplanes to prevent flap handle failures. Operators must ensure these actions are performed within the stipulated timeframes. Non-compliance can lead to significant civil and potentially criminal penalties, underscoring the importance of adhering to these safety directives.