AD/PA-46/2 - Interface of Elevator to Horizontal Stabiliser - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish a framework for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. This legislative instrument, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was introduced to address specific safety concerns identified in certain aircraft models. One such directive, AD/PA-46/2, pertains to Piper PA-46 (Malibu) series aeroplanes, particularly models PA-46-310P with serial numbers ranging from 46-8408001 to 46-8408044, 46-8408046, and 46-8408048. This directive mandates an inspection and potential modification of the interface between the elevator and horizontal stabiliser, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No 783, to prevent an issue where the elevator could bind in a trailing edge-up configuration, thereby restricting down elevator travel. Compliance with this directive is required prior to further flight after 5 September 1984 and according to the specified requirements document. The policy objective behind this legislation is to enhance flight safety by addressing known structural issues in specific aircraft models, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards before being allowed to fly. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body, ensures that such directives are adhered to, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with the identified defects.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 specifically targets the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) series aeroplanes, with a focus on models PA-46-310P bearing serial numbers ranging from 46-8408001 to 46-8408044, 46-8408046, and 46-8408048. This legislation mandates compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No 783, which addresses the issue of elevator interference with the horizontal stabiliser that was identified during production flight tests. The directive requires these aircraft to adhere to the specified compliance requirements, necessitating a prior inspection and modification before any further flight after 5 September 1984, and subsequently in accordance with the requirements outlined in the directive. This regulation applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft within its jurisdiction. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are mentioned within the directive itself, though further details may be found in subordinate instruments or the requirement document.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) series aeroplanes with a particular focus on the interface of the elevator to the horizontal stabiliser. The relevant directive, AD/PA-46/2 10/84, concerns the applicability to all models PA-46-310P with specific serial numbers ranging from 46-8408001 to 46-8408044, 46-8408046, and 46-8408048. This directive mandates compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No 783 to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft. The primary requirement is for the aircraft to undergo inspection and necessary modifications to the interface of the elevator to the horizontal stabiliser before any further flight after 5 September 1984 and subsequently as per the detailed requirements outlined in the directive. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, the obligations imposed on the parties or entities governing these aircraft are clear. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-46 models must ensure that the inspection and any necessary modifications to the elevator-to-horizontal stabiliser interface are completed as per the Piper Service Bulletin No 783. This requirement applies both to aircraft that have not yet flown after the specified date and to those that have already flown but need to comply with the directive before subsequent flights. The directive is explicit in its requirement for compliance to mitigate the risk of the elevator binding in a trailing edge-up configuration, which could lead to restricted down elevator travel and potential flight safety issues. The Civil Aviation Regulations also outline the consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of the directive. Failure to adhere to the requirements of AD/PA-46/2 10/84 can result in significant civil or criminal penalties. The specific consequences may include fines, penalties, or even criminal charges depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance. The maximum penalties are determined by the seriousness of the breach and can include substantial financial penalties as well as potential imprisonment, reflecting the high importance of ensuring airworthiness and flight safety in the aviation industry.