COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-42/4
Amdt 1
Main Landing Gear Pivot Shaft Assembly Bolts 8/85
Applicability: All model PA-42 with S/Nos referenced in Piper Service Bulletin NO. 768A. Requirement: Action in accordance with Piper SB. No. 768A.
Compliance: Unless previously accomplished, within 100 hours time in service after 31 August 1985 or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 31 August 1985, whichever is the later.
Background: The possibility exists that the bolts securing the main landing gear pivot shaft assembly to the main spar may be of insufficient length, thus preventing full thread engagement into the nut plates. Revision “A” to Piper SB No. 768 extends serial number applicability.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), include a range of safety directives designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. One such directive, AD/PA-42/4 Amendment 1, was enacted to address a specific safety concern identified in Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes. This directive, applicable to all model PA-42 aeroplanes with serial numbers referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 768A, mandates that the bolts securing the main landing gear pivot shaft assembly to the main spar must be inspected and, if necessary, replaced to ensure they are of sufficient length to fully engage into the nut plates. The objective of this directive is to mitigate the risk of inadequate bolt length, which could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aeroplane during landing operations. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of service time after 31 August 1985, or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release, whichever is later.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model PA-42 aircraft with serial numbers as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 768A. The regulation mandates compliance with the actions outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 768A, which pertains to the main landing gear pivot shaft assembly bolts. The directive requires these actions to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1985 or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after the same date, whichever is later. This regulatory measure is designed to address the potential issue of bolts that may be of insufficient length, thereby preventing full thread engagement into the nut plates, which could compromise the structural integrity of the landing gear. CASA’s jurisdiction under this directive is enforced nationally, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within Australia are subject to the specified maintenance requirements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, mandate airworthiness directives (ADs) for ensuring the safety of aircraft operations in Australia. In the case of Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes, AD/PA-42/4 Amendment 1 addresses the main landing gear pivot shaft assembly bolts. This directive (AD/PA-42/4/Amdt 1) applies to all model PA-42 aircraft with serial numbers as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 768A. The requirement under this directive is that the action specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 768A must be followed. Compliance with this directive necessitates adherence to the specified timeline: unless the action has already been completed, it must be performed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1985, or at the next scheduled inspection for Maintenance Release issue after 31 August 1985, whichever is later.
The obligations imposed by this legislation are straightforward but critical for ensuring the safety of the aircraft in question. Owners and operators of the Piper PA-42 series aeroplanes must ensure that the main landing gear pivot shaft assembly bolts are inspected and, if necessary, replaced or adjusted according to the specifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 768A. This involves meticulous record-keeping and adherence to the prescribed timelines to maintain compliance with the AD. Failure to comply with the requirements of this AD may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions and safety risks.
Non-compliance with the AD/PA-42/4 Amendment 1 can lead to serious consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance with this specific AD, general provisions within the regulations may apply. These could include administrative penalties, enforcement actions, or even criminal charges in cases of gross negligence or willful disregard of safety directives. The potential civil and criminal repercussions underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness of the Piper PA-42 series aeroplanes. Ensuring compliance not only safeguards the aircraft but also protects the lives of passengers and crew, thereby upholding the highest standards of aviation safety.