{"id":"F2006B06008","name":"AD/PA-44/17 - Flap Handle Attach Bolt","slug":"ad-pa-44-17-flap-handle-attach-bolt","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":114406,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06008-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/PA-44/17 - Flap Handle Attach Bolt","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-44 (Seminole) Series Aeroplanes\n\nAD/PA-44/17 Flap Handle Attach Bolt 9/96\n\nApplicability: Model PA-44-180 with serial numbers 44-7995001 through 44-8195026 and 4495001 through 4495013.\n\nModel PA-44-180T with serial numbers 44-8107001 through 44-8107066.\n\nRequirement: a) Measure the cable mounting attach hole diameter and enlarge the hole to .316 of an inch diameter. If the diameter of the cable mount attach hole is larger than .316 of an inch, replace the flap lever handle (refer to the illustrated parts catalogue for the part number), in accordance with the Instructions section of Piper SB 965.\n\n    b) Install a new bushing (using only Piper part number (P/N) 63900-174) into the cable mounting attach hole, in accordance with the Instructions section of Piper SB 965.\n\n    c) Replace the flap lever handle attach bolt with a new clevis bolt (Piper P/N 400 673 or standard P/N AN23-11) in accordance with the Instructions section of Piper SB 965.\n\n    d) Inspect the washer, nut, and cotter pin, and if damaged, replace washer (Piper P/N 407-564 or standard P/N AN960-10), nut (Piper P/N 404-392 or standard P/N AN320-3), and cotter pin (Piper P/N 424-051 or standard P/N MS24665-132) in accordance with the Instructions section of Piper SB 965.\n\nNote 1: FAA AD 96-10-03 Amdt 39-9608 refers.\n\nNote 2: The Requirement instructions of this Directive do not mirror the instructions in Piper SB 965. This Directive requires installing the clevis bolt, regardless of the condition of the current part.\n\nCompliance: Upon the accumulation of 2,000 hours time in service or within the next 100 hours time in service after 15 August 1996, whichever occurs later.\n\nBackground: The FAA received reports of worn flap handle attach bolts and elongated holes in the flap lever to cable mounting attach point. Failure of the flap handle attach bolt could cause a sudden retraction of the flaps, and result in loss of control.","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"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Directive extends the manufacturer's Service Bulletin by requiring installation of the clevis bolt regardless of the existing part's condition (Note 2). That makes replacement mandatory for affected aircraft where the SB 965 instructions might have been conditional, thereby increasing the scope of compulsory corrective work for the specified serial‑numbered PA‑44 aircraft."},"complexity_factors":["Specific aircraft subset: narrow serial‑number ranges for PA‑44‑180 and PA‑44‑180T (affects only part of the fleet).","Multiple discrete actions: measure/enlarge hole, install bushing, replace bolt, inspect/replace washer/nut/cotter pin.","Detailed parts specification: mandatory Piper part numbers and acceptable standard equivalents increase procurement precision.","Timing condition: compliance tied to flight hours (2,000 hours) or a short grace period (100 hours after 15 Aug 1996).","Deviation from manufacturer service bulletin: Note 2 makes clevis‑bolt replacement mandatory regardless of condition, expanding mandatory work compared with SB 965.","Safety consequence linkage: clear operational risk (sudden flap retraction) driving mandatory corrective actions and potential operational downtime."],"plain_english_summary":"This airworthiness directive requires owners/operators of specified Piper PA‑44‑180 and PA‑44‑180T aeroplanes to inspect and correct the flap handle cable attachment: measure the cable‑mount hole, enlarge it to 0.316\" if required (or replace the lever if oversized), fit a specified bushing, replace the attach bolt with a clevis bolt, and inspect/replace the washer, nut and cotter pin. It aims to stop worn bolts or elongated holes that could allow sudden flap retraction. Compliance is mandated within 2,000 hours TIS or within 100 hours after 15 August 1996; owners pay parts and labour, and the AD requires clevis‑bolt installation regardless of part condition (Note 2)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, targeted safety directive addressing a specific mechanical failure mode in a specific aircraft type. The scope remains tightly focused on the flap handle attach bolt issue as originally identified by the FAA. There is no evidence of scope creep; the directive maintains its original purpose of preventing sudden flap retraction due to bolt failure."},"complexity_factors":["Specific dimensional requirement: precise measurement of 0.316 inch diameter hole","Multiple alternative part numbers provided (Piper proprietary numbers and standard aviation part numbers like AN23-11)","Conditional logic: 'if damaged, replace' for washer/nut/cotter pin components","Cross-reference to external document: Piper Service Bulletin 965 (SB 965) for detailed instructions","Cross-reference to FAA AD 96-10-03 for regulatory alignment","Complex compliance deadline calculation: 'whichever occurs later' of two time-based triggers (2,000 hours TIS or 100 hours after 15 August 1996)","Specific serial number applicability ranges requiring verification against aircraft records"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of specified Piper PA‑44 Seminole aircraft (certain PA‑44‑180/180T serials, ~2,000+ airframes) to correct a wear-prone flap handle cable mounting so a failing bolt cannot cause sudden flap retraction. Required work includes measuring/enlarging the mounting hole, installing a Piper bushing, replacing the flap handle bolt with a clevis bolt, and inspecting/replacing related hardware. Compliance is by 2,000 total hours or within 100 hours after 15 August 1996."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-17-flap-handle-attach-bolt","history":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-17-flap-handle-attach-bolt/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-17-flap-handle-attach-bolt/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-17-flap-handle-attach-bolt/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-17-flap-handle-attach-bolt/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-pa-44-17-flap-handle-attach-bolt/documents"}}