AD/PA-44/17 - Flap Handle Attach Bolt

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B06008, aim to enhance aviation safety by addressing specific maintenance issues in certain Piper PA-44 (Seminole) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Government through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, this regulation responds to reports of worn flap handle attach bolts and elongated holes in the flap lever to cable mounting attach point. The policy objective is to prevent incidents of flap handle attach bolt failure that could lead to sudden flap retraction and potential loss of control. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for affected models, requiring specific maintenance actions to be completed within a defined timeframe. The regulation specifically targets Piper PA-44-180 and PA-44-180T series aeroplanes with particular serial numbers, mandating that maintenance personnel measure the cable mounting attach hole diameter and enlarge it if necessary, replace or install specific components, and inspect and replace parts if damaged. These actions are to be performed either upon the accumulation of 2,000 hours of time in service or within 100 hours after 15 August 1996, whichever comes later. This directive is part of a broader effort to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft and safeguard the public from aviation-related hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives that must be followed for specific aircraft models to ensure safety. The legislative instrument F2006B06008 pertains to the Piper PA-44 (Seminole) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing models PA-44-180 with serial numbers ranging from 44-7995001 through 44-8195026 and 4495001 through 4495013, as well as model PA-44-180T with serial numbers from 44-8107001 to 44-8107066. The directive is applicable to these particular aeroplanes to rectify issues related to the flap handle attach bolt and associated components. The requirement is to measure and adjust the cable mounting attach hole, install a new bushing, replace the flap lever handle attach bolt, and inspect and replace the washer, nut, and cotter pin if necessary, following the instructions provided in Piper SB 965. Compliance with these directives is mandatory upon the aeroplane reaching 2,000 hours of service or within 100 hours of service after 15 August 1996, whichever comes later. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all affected aircraft operating within Australian jurisdiction adhere to these safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Piper PA-44 (Seminole) series aeroplanes. The relevant directive here is AD/PA-44/17, which pertains to the flap handle attach bolt. This directive applies to Model PA-44-180 aeroplanes with specific serial number ranges, as well as Model PA-44-180T aeroplanes with another set of serial numbers. The directive requires several specific actions to be taken to ensure the aeroplanes remain airworthy. Firstly, the diameter of the cable mounting attach hole must be measured and, if necessary, enlarged to 0.316 inches (section a). If the hole is already larger than this dimension, the flap lever handle must be replaced using the part number provided in Piper Service Bulletin 965 (section a). Secondly, a new bushing must be installed into the cable mounting attach hole, using only the specified Piper part number (section b). Thirdly, the flap lever handle attach bolt must be replaced with a new clevis bolt, which can be either a Piper part number or a standard part number (section c). Lastly, the washer, nut, and cotter pin must be inspected and replaced if they are damaged, using the specified Piper or standard part numbers (section d). Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to serious safety issues. The directive mandates compliance upon the aeroplane accumulating 2,000 hours of time in service, or within the next 100 hours after 15 August 1996, whichever comes later. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in safety hazards, as reported by the FAA regarding worn flap handle attach bolts and elongated holes at the flap lever to cable mounting attach point. Such failures could cause sudden flap retraction and loss of control, which is a critical safety concern. Breach of these airworthiness directives can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict obligations on the operators and owners of these aeroplanes to ensure they comply with all relevant directives. Failure to do so could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including potential fines, penalties, or other regulatory sanctions. The exact penalties for non-compliance can vary, but they are designed to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained in the operation of these aircraft.