AD/PA-18/5 - Throttle Levers - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One of the legislative instruments under this Act is the "Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) Series Aeroplanes AD/PA-18/5 Throttle Levers - Modification", which was enacted in 2006. This instrument was introduced to address safety concerns specifically related to the throttle levers of Piper PA-18 and 19 series aeroplanes, aiming to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to prevent operational failures. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate a modification to the throttle levers to enhance the reliability and safety of these aircraft, requiring compliance forthwith. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation, and this specific instrument is a part of that broader legislative effort to maintain and improve aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), govern the operation of aircraft within Australia, with specific directives aimed at ensuring safety and airworthiness. One such directive, AD/PA-18/5, applies to all Piper PA-18 and PA-19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates that the throttle levers of these aircraft must be reworked in accordance with the specified modifications to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive applies to all models of the mentioned aircraft series, leaving no exclusions within its scope. The application is national, covering all areas within Australia where the affected aircraft are operated. Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, meaning that the modifications must be implemented immediately upon the issuance of the directive. The directive does not provide for any exemptions or thresholds and is not extended or restricted by any subordinate instruments in the provided text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/PA-18/5 for Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes. This directive mandates a modification to the throttle levers (Section 11/60). According to this directive, all models of the Piper PA-18 and 19 aeroplanes must undergo a rework of the throttle levers as specified. This directive applies universally across all models within the series, ensuring that every aircraft of these types meets the safety standards set forth by CASA. The obligation imposed by AD/PA-18/5 on the operators and owners of the Piper PA-18 and 19 aeroplanes is to comply with the specified modifications to the throttle levers without delay. The directive clearly states "Compliance: Forthwith," indicating that the rework must be carried out immediately upon the issuance of the directive. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be adhered to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft and the safety of all onboard. Failure to comply with AD/PA-18/5 can result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered an offence. The penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and potential criminal charges. The exact penalties are determined by the court, but they can be severe, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining airworthiness and safety standards in civil aviation. CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions, which may include grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved, further underscoring the importance of adhering to these directives.