AD/PA-46/22 - Elevator Trim Cable Guide Tube

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) are a comprehensive set of rules and standards governing civil aviation within Australia, enacted by the Australian Parliament to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations. Among the numerous directives under CAR 1998, the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-46/22 focuses specifically on addressing issues related to the elevator trim cable guide tube in certain models of Piper PA-46 aircraft. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of lockups in the trim tab system caused by the severance of the elevator trim cable guide tube, which could potentially lead to unsafe flight conditions. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and necessary repairs to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft, thereby enhancing flight safety. The directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of Piper PA-46 aircraft and requires that the elevator trim cable guide tube be visually inspected for any signs of severance within 100 hours of service after the directive's issuance on 17 September 1992 and before further flight. In cases where severance is detected, the directive stipulates that the guide tube must be spliced and an external sleeve installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This requirement stems from an investigation that revealed a lockup of the trim tab system due to a severed guide tube jamming the trim cable turnbuckles. The directive references FAA AD 92-13-06 Amdt 39-8276 and extends the compliance period by one month.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 pertaining to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, mandates certain actions for the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) series aeroplanes to ensure safety and compliance with aviation standards. This directive, AD/PA-46/22, targets specific models of the Piper PA-46, namely the PA-46-310P with serial numbers 46-8408001 through 46-8608067 and 4608001 through 4608140, as well as the PA-46-350P with serial numbers 4622001 through 4622117. The requirement outlined in the directive involves a visual inspection of the elevator trim cable guide tube for any signs of severance, which is defined as any cut, break, or division of the tube. If severance is detected, the directive mandates the splicing of the cable guide tube and installation of an external sleeve following the instructions provided in the Elevator Trim Cable Guide Tube Splice Kit, Piper Part Number 766-272. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 17 September 1992 and prior to any further flight. This requirement is grounded in an investigation that found a lockup of the trim tab system due to a severed elevator trim cable guide tube, which highlights the necessity of these measures for safe aircraft operation.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) concerning the Piper PA-46 (Malibu) Series Aeroplanes, specifically the elevator trim cable guide tube, are detailed in AD/PA-46/22. This directive applies to Model PA-46-310P with certain serial numbers and Model PA-46-350P with other specified serial numbers (section 1). The requirement outlined in section 1 is to visually inspect the elevator trim cable guide tube for any severance, which is defined as any cut, break, or division of the tube (section 1.1). If severance is detected, the guide tube must be spliced and an external sleeve installed in accordance with the instructions provided in the Elevator Trim Cable Guide Tube Splice Kit, Piper Part Number 766-272 (section 1.2). Additional notes indicate that the Piper Kit 766-272 is referenced in Piper Service Bulletin 953 and that revised maintenance procedures for accessing the trim cable turnbuckles can be obtained from the manufacturer (section 1, Notes 1 and 2). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Directive 92-13-06 Amendment 39-8276 is also referenced (section 1, Note 3). The obligations imposed by this legislation on the relevant parties, including aircraft operators and maintenance personnel, are clear and specific. Operators must ensure that the elevator trim cable guide tube is visually inspected for severance within 100 hours of time in service after 17 September 1992 (section 2.1). Additionally, any aircraft with a detected severance must not be flown further until the guide tube is spliced and an external sleeve installed according to the provided instructions (section 2.2). Compliance with these requirements is essential to prevent the lockup of the trim tab system, which could compromise the safe operation of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in serious consequences. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of aviation safety regulations generally carry significant civil and criminal penalties. Under Australian law, non-compliance with regulations set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can lead to enforcement actions that may include fines, suspension or revocation of pilot and aircraft certificates, and potential criminal charges. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach but are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety standards.