AD/PA-46/6 Amdt 1 - Flap Drive Mechanism

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B06041, addresses the issue of flap system malfunctions in Piper PA-46 (Malibu) Series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislative instrument aims to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by implementing specific maintenance requirements. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued this directive to mitigate the risk of asymmetric flap conditions, which could compromise lateral control during flight. Compliance with the directive requires adherence to the specified timeline and modifications detailed in Piper Service Bulletin 780A, ensuring the safety and reliability of the affected aircraft. This legislative amendment, introduced by the Australian Government, responds to reports of flap system malfunctions in the Piper PA-46 Series aeroplanes. The directive mandates specific maintenance actions to be undertaken within set timeframes, following the issuance of the Requirement Document Revision A. The policy objective is to enhance flight safety by preventing potential control issues arising from flap binding, thereby maintaining the high standards of aviation safety in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the flap drive mechanism of Piper PA-46 and PA-46-310P series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers as referenced in the requirement document. This directive applies to all model PA-46 aeroplanes, mandating compliance with Piper Service Bulletin 780A to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft. The directive applies to specific serial numbers of the mentioned models, ensuring that all affected aeroplanes are inspected and maintained according to the specified requirements. CASA's directive extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, with the aim of maintaining high safety standards across the aviation industry. The AD does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, implying that all applicable aircraft must comply with the outlined service bulletin and maintenance requirements. The directive is enforced under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which allows for the extension or restriction of its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) that are imperative for maintaining the safety of aircraft within Australian airspace. One such directive is AD/PA-46/6 Amendment 1, which pertains to the flap drive mechanism of Piper PA-46 (Malibu) Series aeroplanes (section 1). This directive applies to all models of the PA-46 and PA-46-310P aeroplanes with serial numbers as detailed in the Requirement Document (section 1). The main requirement of this directive is compliance with Piper Service Bulletin 780A. This involves two parts: the first part requires compliance within 25 hours time in service after 31 October 1984 (section 1), and the second part necessitates compliance at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release issue after 31 January 1986 (section 1). The obligations imposed by this AD are specific and time-bound, demanding immediate attention to the flap drive mechanism to prevent potential malfunctions. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that their maintenance schedules are adhered to, with particular focus on the specified service bulletin. This involves inspecting and possibly modifying the flap drive mechanism to mitigate the risk of the flap roller binding in the inboard track, which could lead to an asymmetric flap condition and difficulty in maintaining lateral control (section 1). The directive references the Revision A of the Requirement Document, which further mandates the inclusion of a new flap selector valve with a lower relief valve setting to enhance safety. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance could result in various civil and criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, generally, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to substantial fines, potential grounding of the aircraft, and criminal charges against responsible individuals or entities. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the stipulated requirements to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.