AD/PA-46/17 - Aileron Balance Weight Attachment Screws

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to ensure safety and efficiency in the aviation sector, including the regulation of aircraft airworthiness. The legislative instrument F2006B06023, specifically addressing Piper PA-46 (Malibu) series aeroplanes, was enacted to address the identified issue of potential cracks at the aileron balance weight attachment screw holes. This problem was identified to have the potential to compromise the security of the aileron balance weight, thereby impacting flight safety. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No 921 dated 15 August 1989, requiring corrective action before the next maintenance release following 25 January 1990. This aims to mitigate the risk of structural failure and ensure continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-46/17. This legislation mandates compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No 921 dated 15 August 1989, requiring corrective action regarding aileron balance weight attachment screws to prevent potential cracks and loss of aileron balance weight security. The directive necessitates that any necessary action be completed at or before the next issue of a Maintenance Release following 25 January 1990. The regulation is applicable on a national level, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all relevant aircraft meet the specified safety standards. The directive applies to all Piper PA-46 series aeroplanes operating within Australia, and compliance is mandatory to maintain airworthiness and safety standards. The scope of the legislation encompasses all persons and entities responsible for the maintenance and operation of Piper PA-46 series aeroplanes in Australia. This includes aircraft owners, operators, maintenance service providers, and any other relevant parties within the aviation industry. The directive does not explicitly mention exclusions or thresholds, suggesting that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the outlined requirements without exception. Any further extensions or restrictions to the application of the directive may be established through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, thereby ensuring that safety standards are uniformly enforced across the national jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, outline the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of specific aircraft types. Under this part, the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives includes specific directives for aircraft such as the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) Series aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/PA-46/17. This directive specifically addresses aileron balance weight attachment screws, which were issued on 13 August 1989. According to the directive, the requirement is to take action in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No 921 dated 15 August 1989. The compliance requirement mandates that the corrective action must be completed at or before the next issue of a Maintenance Release following 25 January 1990. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear: operators and owners of Piper PA-46 (Malibu) Series aeroplanes must ensure that any aileron balance weight attachment screws are inspected and, if necessary, corrected to prevent potential cracks that could compromise the aircraft's safety. The directive demands adherence to the detailed procedures outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No 921. This bulletin likely includes specific instructions on how to inspect the screws, identify any signs of wear or damage, and the appropriate methods for repair or replacement. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding until the necessary repairs are completed. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to severe consequences. Non-compliance with AD/PA-46/17 could result in enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The potential penalties for breaches can include substantial fines and, in serious cases, criminal charges. Specifically, the Act may impose penalties that include fines of up to $33,000 for individuals and $165,000 for corporations, alongside possible imprisonment terms. Additionally, the operation of an aircraft that does not meet airworthiness standards can lead to civil consequences, such as the revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, further compounding the financial and operational repercussions for the operator.