{"id":"F2006B05516","name":"AD/PA-23/89 - Flap Control Torque Tube","slug":"ad-pa-23-89-flap-control-torque-tube","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":46380,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B05516-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# ![](image.001.png)  \nAIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nPiper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/PA-23/89 Flap Control Torque Tube 8/2","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/PA-23/89 Flap Control Torque Tube 8/2003","content":"# AD/PA-23/89 Flap Control Torque Tube 8/2003\n\nApplicability: Model PA-23 and PA-23-160 aircraft, serial numbers 23-1 through 23-2046.\n\nModel PA-23-235 aircraft, serial numbers 27-505 through 27-622.\n\nModel PA-23-250 aircraft, serial numbers 27-1 through 27-504, and 27-2000 through 27-8154030.\n\nModel PA-E23-250 aircraft, serial numbers 27-2505 through 27-4916, and 27- 7304917 through 27-7554168.\n\nRequirement: Inspect the flap control torque tube for cracks, corrosion, wear, or elongation of the attachment bolt holes (referred to as damage); in accordance with sections 3 through 10 of the Accomplishment Instructions section of Piper Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1051B, dated 5 November 2002.\n\nReplace, before further flight after the inspection where damage is found, any damaged flap control tube, and any wooden end plugs with new plastic end plugs part number 17631-002. Replace the flap control tubes with either a part number 17634- 002 flap control torque tube or a part number 104622-002 or 104622-004 flap control torque tube assembly. The part number 17631-002 end plugs are part of the part number 104622-002 and 104622-004 flap control torque tube assemblies, but must be obtained for the part number 17634-002 installation.\n\nNote: FAA AD 2003-09-13 Amdt 39-13142 refers.\n\nCompliance: Initially inspect upon accumulating 2,500 hours time in service on the flap control torque tube or within 100 hours time in service after 7 August 2003, whichever occurs later. Repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 hours time in service; until a replacement flap control torque tube or flap control torque tube assembly as specified in the Requirement part of this Directive, is installed.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 August 2003.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Directive applies to specified Piper PA‑23 models and serial numbers and prescribes inspections and replacements as written. The text does not indicate any expansion or narrowing of scope from the FAA AD it references; it implements inspection and replacement requirements for the listed aircraft."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow, serial‑numbered applicability limits affected fleet but requires checking serials (Applicability section).","Technical inspection standards are externalised to Piper Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1051B, requiring users to follow another document for procedural detail (Requirement section).","Compliance timing contains staged thresholds and repetitive intervals: initial inspection at 2,500 hours or within 100 hours after 7 Aug 2003 (whichever is later), then every 500 hours until replacement (Compliance section).","Immediate operational consequence where damage is found: replacement mandatory before further flight, creating potential grounding and repair costs (Requirement section).","Parts management: specified part numbers for replacement torque tubes and end plugs, and a note that some assemblies include the required end plugs but others require separate purchase (Requirement section and Note).","Cross‑reference to FAA AD increases reliance on another regulator's document for context but does not itself detail amendments (Note)."],"plain_english_summary":"Mandates inspection of the flap‑control torque tube on specified Piper PA‑23 series aircraft and replacement of any damaged tube or wooden end‑plug with approved parts. Inspections must follow Piper Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1051B.\n\nOwners/operators of the listed serial‑numbered aircraft must carry out initial and repetitive inspections within the flight‑hour windows set out, and pay for any parts and labour; if damage is found the defective parts must be replaced before further flight."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a standard airworthiness directive with a focused, single-purpose scope: addressing a specific unsafe condition in a defined aircraft population. The scope remains tightly constrained to the flap control torque tube issue as originally identified."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple aircraft models and serial number ranges listed in applicability section (5 distinct model/serial combinations)","Cross-reference to external technical document (Piper Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 1051B) for detailed inspection procedures","Nested timing requirements for initial compliance (whichever occurs later of two conditions)","Conditional logic: different actions required depending on inspection findings (replace only if damage found)","Specific part number references for replacement components (4 different part numbers mentioned)","Repetitive inspection requirement until terminating action (replacement) is completed"],"plain_english_summary":"Owners and operators of certain Piper Apache and Aztec aeroplanes must inspect the flap control torque tube — a critical rod that moves the flaps — because cracking, corrosion, wear, or elongated bolt holes can cause in‑flight flap failure and loss of control.\n\nInspections must follow Piper Service Bulletin No. 1051B; damaged tubes are replaced (with plastic end plugs, not wood). First inspection at 2,500 hours or within 100 hours after 7 Aug 2003, then every 500 hours until approved replacement."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pa-23-89-flap-control-torque-tube","history":"/api/acts/ad-pa-23-89-flap-control-torque-tube/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pa-23-89-flap-control-torque-tube/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pa-23-89-flap-control-torque-tube/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pa-23-89-flap-control-torque-tube/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pa-23-89-flap-control-torque-tube/documents"}}