AD/PA-42/6 - Aileron Trim Tab Control Tube and Rudder Trim Cable Retainer Hardware - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are comprehensive rules governing various aspects of civil aviation, including safety standards. Part 39 of these regulations, particularly the Airworthiness Directives, addresses specific safety concerns for particular aircraft types. One such directive is AD/PA-42/6, which pertains to Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address a significant safety issue where certain model PA-42 aeroplanes might have been delivered with incorrect hardware installed on the bolts securing the aileron trim tab control tube and the rudder trim cable retainers, as per Piper S.B. 778. The directive mandates that these aeroplanes undergo inspection and, if necessary, modification before further flight, aiming to rectify the identified hardware issue and ensure continued airworthiness. The policy objective behind AD/PA-42/6 is to mitigate potential safety risks by ensuring that the specified aircraft are equipped with the correct hardware. By requiring inspections and modifications within a stipulated timeframe, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority seeks to maintain high safety standards in the operation of these aeroplanes. This directive exemplifies the regulatory framework's commitment to addressing specific vulnerabilities in aircraft design and manufacturing to protect passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the inspection and replacement of aileron trim tab control tube and rudder trim cable retainer hardware in Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes with specified serial numbers. The regulations are applicable to any individual or entity involved in the operation, maintenance, or certification of these aeroplanes within Australia, ensuring compliance with the safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This legislation mandates that the inspection must be conducted before further flight, with modifications required within 10 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 17 May 1984. The geographical scope of these regulations is nationwide, affecting all relevant aircraft operating within Australia's jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and compliance is mandatory for the specified aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may issue subordinate instruments to provide further guidance or clarification on the implementation of these directives.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically pertaining to the Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) Series Aeroplanes, include section 39-105, which mandates that all model PA-42 with serial numbers (S/Nos) 42-7800002 to 42-7801004 and 42-8001001 to 42-8001106 must undergo an inspection of the aileron trim tab control tube and rudder trim cable retainer hardware. This inspection must occur before further flight, and any modifications must be completed within 10 hours time in service after 17 May 1984. This requirement is outlined in the AD/PA-42/6 Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) based on Piper S.B. 778. These regulations impose specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They must ensure that the affected aircraft are inspected for the presence of incorrect hardware (brass nuts) on the bolts securing the aileron trim tab control tube to the trim tab and aileron control tube link assembly, as well as on the bolts attaching the rudder trim cable retainers. Should incorrect hardware be found, it must be replaced with the correct specifications as specified by the manufacturer to ensure compliance with the airworthiness directive. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is an offence that can lead to civil penalties. The maximum penalty for an individual is $275,000, while the maximum penalty for a body corporate is $1,375,000. Additionally, CASA can impose operational restrictions or even suspend the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, which could result in the aircraft being grounded until the necessary inspections and modifications are completed. This stringent enforcement underscores the importance of adhering to these safety directives to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft.