AD/PA-23/68 - Fuel Selector Valve - Inspection - CANCELLED

This instrument cancels a previous aviation safety rule (Airworthiness Directive 68) that applied to owners and operators of Piper PA-23 Apache and Aztec aircraft.

What it used to require: The original rule required an inspection of the fuel selector valve within 100 hours of flight time, following manufacturer service bulletin Piper SB No. 455. This was intended to address safety concerns with the valve mechanism.

What changed: As of 12 February 2009, this inspection requirement is completely removed. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority determined the directive was no longer required for aviation safety.

Who is affected: Owners, operators, and maintenance organisations responsible for Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes registered in Australia.

Why this matters: This removes a compliance obligation and associated maintenance costs for affected aircraft owners. Operators no longer need to track or perform this specific fuel valve inspection to meet regulatory requirements.