Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, address various safety concerns related to the operation and maintenance of aircraft in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, known as the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes directives that ensure aircraft meet safety standards. One such directive is AD/PA-20/3 Amendment 6, which pertains to Piper PA-20 (Pacer) Series Aeroplanes and was introduced to manage the continuing airworthiness of wing lift strut forks. The amendment was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety issues associated with the lift strut forks of these aircraft models, thereby ensuring compliance with international safety standards and enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations in Australia. The primary objective of AD/PA-20/3 Amendment 6 is to mitigate risks associated with the structural integrity of the wing lift strut forks by requiring the installation of a "No Step" decal on the starboard lift strut and the retirement of lift strut forks from service. This amendment also provides for a terminating modification, allowing the installation of sealed lift struts in accordance with Piper mandatory Service Bulletin 528D, which cancels the retirement requirement of this directive. Compliance with these requirements is critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the Airworthiness Directives for the Piper PA-20 (Pacer) Series Aeroplanes, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The regulations apply to all models of the Piper PA-20 series, mandating particular actions to be taken concerning the wing lift strut forks. This requirement includes the installation of a “No Step” decal on the starboard lift strut and the retirement of the lift strut fork from service, with specific timing and conditions for compliance. Exemptions and modifications to these directives are available under certain conditions, such as the installation of sealed lift struts as per Piper's mandatory Service Bulletin 528D, which cancels the retirement requirement of this directive. The regulation is applicable nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, includes the Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-20 (Pacer) Series Aeroplanes, detailed under Amendment 6 (AD/PA-20/3). This directive mandates actions concerning the wing lift strut forks. The primary requirements outlined in this section are the installation of a "No Step" decal on the starboard lift strut (Requirement 1) and the retirement of the lift strut fork from service (Requirement 2). Notably, if the aeroplane is equipped with sealed lift struts in accordance with Piper mandatory Service Bulletin 528D, the retirement requirement of this directive is negated, as referenced in AD/PA-20/17. For models with a fairing covering the front and rear strut lower ends, a single placard on the starboard fairing is deemed sufficient. Compliance with these directives is stringent and time-bound. Specifically, the "No Step" decal must be installed within 50 hours of time in service after 30 September 1986 (Compliance 1). Additionally, the lift strut forks must be retired before accumulating 1000 hours of time in service (Compliance 2). This amendment took effect from 27 April 1995, marking a significant shift in the management of airworthiness for these components. The obligations imposed by this directive require operators to adhere strictly to the outlined timeframes for installing the "No Step" decal and retiring the lift strut forks. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in non-compliance with airworthiness standards, potentially leading to safety risks. The directive also references FAA AD 93-10-06 and Piper Service Bulletin 157D, which provide additional context and guidance on the implementation of these requirements. The consequences of breaching these directives can be severe. Non-compliance with the airworthiness directives can result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. Although specific penalties are not detailed in the text, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 could include fines, imprisonment, or both. The seriousness of the breach and the potential risk to aviation safety are key factors in determining the exact penalties.