{"id":"F2006B05784","name":"AD/PA-31/79 - Control Wheel Control Shaft Tube - Inspection","slug":"ad-pa-31-79-control-wheel-control-shaft-tube-inspection","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":135668,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B05784-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/PA-31/79 - Control Wheel Control Shaft Tube - Inspection","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nPiper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/PA-31/79 Control Wheel Control Shaft Tube \\- Inspection 6/79\n\nApplicability: All models PA-31, PA-31-300 and PA-31-325 with S/Nos 31-5 to 31-7912059; PA- 31-350 S/Nos. 31-5001 to 31-7952111. All model PA-31P with S/Nos. 31P-1 to 31P- 7730012. All model PA-31T with S/Nos. 31T- 7400002 to 31T-7920060. All model PA-31T1 with S/Nos. 31T-7804001 to 31-7904033.\n\nRequirement: To avoid possible separation of the control wheel control shaft stud from the control shaft tube due to the absence of two roll pins, and subsequent loss of aileron control of the affected control wheel, accomplish the following:\n\n    Secure control wheels in the aft position.\n\n    2. Gain access to the control shaft tube assembly (P/N 42939-00) and to stud (P/N 42938-00) connection located just aft of the control wheel stop collar (P/N 40950- 00).\n\n    3. Inspect the forward end of the control shaft tube assembly (P/N 42939-00) to determine if two roll pins (P/N 480732) are installed.\n\n    4. If one or both roll pins are missing, install as required, roll pin Piper P/N 48732 prior to further flight.\n\nNote: Piper SB No. 651 refers to this subject.\n\nCompliance: Unless already accomplished, within 5 hours time in service after 18 May 1979\\. Background: The subject roll pins may not have been installed at aircraft manufacture.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, targeted safety directive addressing a specific manufacturing defect in particular aircraft models. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of mandating inspection and repair of the control wheel shaft assembly."},"complexity_factors":["Single, specific mechanical inspection requirement with clear procedural steps","Limited applicability defined by aircraft model and serial number ranges only","No nested exceptions, conditional logic, or cross-references to other legislation","Simple binary compliance outcome: inspect, and if missing, install before flight","Straightforward deadline: 5 hours time-in-service after specified date","Only one defined term implicitly used ('time in service')","Total length: approximately 200 words"],"plain_english_summary":"This AD orders owners/operators of certain serial-numbered Piper PA‑31 series aircraft to inspect the control‑wheel to control‑tube connection within 5 flight hours after 18 May 1979 to verify the presence of two roll pins, and to install replacements before flight if any are missing. It matters because missing pins can allow the control wheel to detach, risking loss of aileron control."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD is narrowly targeted at remedying potentially missing roll pins identified as a manufacturing omission (Background). It applies only to specified serial‑number ranges and mandates inspection and installation where pins are missing; it does not broaden obligations beyond correcting that defect."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow applicability: specific PA‑31 models and serial‑number ranges limit affected fleet (Applicability paragraph).","Short compliance window: inspection required within 5 hours TIS after 18 May 1979 increases operational urgency (Compliance paragraph).","Technical access required: task requires securing control wheels and gaining access to the control shaft tube assembly (Requirement steps 1–2).","Low procedural complexity: binary inspection for presence of two roll pins and simple installation if missing (Requirement steps 3–4).","Parts dependency: requires correct roll pins; AD text references roll pin part numbers which affect procurement (Requirement steps 3–4).","Minimal regulatory discretion: AD prescribes a specific inspection and mandatory corrective action prior to further flight, leaving little interpretive flexibility."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive orders operators of specified Piper PA‑31 series aeroplanes (limited serial-number ranges) to inspect the forward end of the control shaft tube for two roll pins and, if either is missing, install the required roll pins before further flight. The check must be done within 5 hours time‑in‑service of 18 May 1979. It aims to prevent separation of the control wheel stud and loss of aileron control. Operators bear labour and parts cost; compliance requires securing the wheels, accessing the shaft, and installing pins."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pa-31-79-control-wheel-control-shaft-tube-inspection","history":"/api/acts/ad-pa-31-79-control-wheel-control-shaft-tube-inspection/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pa-31-79-control-wheel-control-shaft-tube-inspection/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pa-31-79-control-wheel-control-shaft-tube-inspection/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pa-31-79-control-wheel-control-shaft-tube-inspection/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pa-31-79-control-wheel-control-shaft-tube-inspection/documents"}}