AD/PA-46/20 - Exhaust Transition Bolts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the Commonwealth of Australia's legislative framework, were enacted to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislation was introduced to address safety concerns and regulatory gaps in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations, with a clear policy objective to protect the public by maintaining high standards of safety in civil aviation. A specific instance of this regulation is evident in the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) Series Aeroplanes, with AD/PA-46/20 focusing on exhaust transition bolts. This directive was introduced in response to an aircraft accident caused by the loss of an exhaust transition flange bolt, leading to engine power loss and flange separation. The requirement mandates compliance with the Technical Requirements of FAA AD 91-10-04 Amdt 39-6981, with a compliance deadline of within 10 hours of time in service from 31 May 1991. This directive underscores the importance of maintaining aircraft safety through stringent regulatory measures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all persons and entities involved in civil aviation operations within the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertains to the Piper PA-46 Malibu series aeroplanes, particularly model PA-46-350P aeroplanes fitted with a Textron Lycoming TI0-540-AE2A engine with serial numbers up to but not including L9161-61A, and excluding serial number L9157-61A. The directive mandates compliance with FAA AD 91-10-04 Amdt 39-6981 and references Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin No 491A. The requirement necessitates action within 10 hours of time in service from 31 May 1991 to address the issue of exhaust transition flange bolt loss and flange separation, which has previously caused engine power loss and subsequent aircraft accidents. The application of this directive is strictly limited to the specified aircraft models and engine serial numbers, with compliance being mandatory for all operators and owners of affected aircraft to ensure safety and airworthiness.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically address the safety of Piper PA-46 (Malibu) series aeroplanes through AD/PA-46/20 (paragraph 1). This directive pertains to the exhaust transition bolts of certain model PA-46-350P aeroplanes, particularly those equipped with a Textron Lycoming TI0-540-AE2A engine, where the engine serial number (S/No) falls within a particular range, specifically up to but not including L9161-61A, but excluding S/No L9157-61A (paragraph 2). The directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements set out in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 91-10-04 Amendment 39-6981 (paragraph 3). This is further referenced by Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin No 491A (paragraph 4). The directive stipulates that the required action must be taken within 10 hours of time in service from 31 May 1991 (paragraph 5). This directive was prompted by an aircraft accident that resulted from the loss of an exhaust transition flange bolt and subsequent flange separation, leading to engine power loss (paragraph 6). The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are stringent and specific. Owners and operators of the affected Piper PA-46-350P aeroplanes must ensure that the technical requirements of FAA AD 91-10-04 Amendment 39-6981 are adhered to, specifically concerning the exhaust transition bolts (paragraph 7). This includes verifying the engine serial number to ensure it falls within the specified range and excluding S/No L9157-61A (paragraph 8). The compliance period is strictly defined, requiring action within 10 hours of time in service from 31 May 1991 (paragraph 9). This timeframe underscores the urgency and critical nature of the directive, aimed at preventing potential engine failure and associated safety hazards (paragraph 10). Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive may result in significant consequences. Non-compliance could lead to severe civil or criminal penalties, depending on the extent and impact of the breach (paragraph 11). The maximum penalties for violations of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but generally, such breaches can result in substantial fines, enforcement actions, or even criminal charges, particularly if the non-compliance leads to safety incidents or accidents (paragraph 12). The specific penalties would be determined based on the severity of the breach and its potential impact on aviation safety (paragraph 13). Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft (paragraph 14).