COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-20 (Pacer) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-20/13 Wing Fuel Tank Cap - Modification 3/78
Applicability: All models. Applicable only if a wing fuel tank cap has been replaced with either tank cap P/N 15296-02 since 1 June 1976, or, tank cap P/N 60707-02 modified as per Piper SB No 522.
Document: Piper SB No 573.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 May 1978.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the instrument F2006B05404, introduced specific airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft in Australian airspace. This regulation, specifically under PART 39 - 105, addresses issues related to the Piper PA-20 (Pacer) series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on modifications to the wing fuel tank cap. The problem it seeks to address involves instances where the wing fuel tank cap has been replaced with either tank cap P/N 15296-02 since 1 June 1976, or a modified tank cap P/N 60707-02 as per Piper Service Bulletin No 522. The enactment by the Commonwealth of Australia through its Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to ensure compliance with these modifications to prevent potential safety hazards, aligning with the overarching policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1978, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No 573.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, provide specific directives for maintaining airworthiness standards across Australia, with particular attention to the Piper PA-20 (Pacer) Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, the regulation AD/PA-20/13 pertains to all models of this aircraft series, mandating modifications to the wing fuel tank cap if certain conditions are met. This directive applies to aircraft that have had their wing fuel tank caps replaced with either tank cap P/N 15296-02 after 1 June 1976, or tank cap P/N 60707-02 modified according to Piper Service Bulletin No 522. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service following 31 May 1978, with detailed instructions outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No 573. The regulation is designed to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models within the Australian airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes detailed directives concerning the airworthiness of various aircraft types, including the Piper PA-20 (Pacer) series aeroplanes. Section AD/PA-20/13 is particularly relevant for modifications to the wing fuel tank cap. This directive applies to all models of the Piper PA-20 series if a wing fuel tank cap has been replaced with either tank cap P/N 15296-02 since 1 June 1976, or tank cap P/N 60707-02 modified as per Piper Service Bulletin No 522. The compliance requirement is documented in Piper Service Bulletin No 573, which must be adhered to within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1978.
The primary obligation imposed by this directive is that any owner or operator of a Piper PA-20 series aeroplane that has undergone the specified modifications to the wing fuel tank cap must ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No 573. This involves implementing the modifications specified in the bulletin within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours after 31 May 1978. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aeroplane being considered non-airworthy, which has significant implications for its operation.
Non-compliance with the directives set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to serious consequences. Under the Act, there are specific offences and penalties associated with failing to adhere to airworthiness directives. These can include both civil and criminal penalties. For example, an operator who knowingly permits a non-compliant aircraft to fly may face civil penalties, including fines and potential revocation of operating certificates. In more severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against the operator or responsible individual, leading to imprisonment and additional fines. The exact penalties can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the court, but the potential for significant financial and legal repercussions underscores the importance of compliance.