AD/PA-22/15 Amdt 1 - Brake Master Cylinder Diaphragm - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Specifically, AD/PA-22/15 Amendment 1 pertains to Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes, addressing the requirement for the replacement of the brake master cylinder diaphragm. This legislation was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of aircraft by mandating the replacement of a critical component that could otherwise fail, potentially leading to compromised braking performance. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with brake system failures by ensuring the timely replacement of the diaphragm at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of service time. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are overseen by the Australian Parliament, which enacts legislation to regulate and maintain safety standards in civil aviation. The specific Airworthiness Directive, AD/PA-22/15 Amendment 1, is a legislative instrument aimed at addressing a recognised problem in the Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes by ensuring the brake system's integrity through regular maintenance and component replacement.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/PA-22/15 Amendment 1, pertains to the replacement of brake master cylinder diaphragms for all Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes fitted with Scott brake master cylinder P/N B711. The directive applies to these specific models, ensuring they meet the requisite safety standards by requiring the installation of new brake master cylinder diaphragms, Scott P/N B1751 (Piper P/N 750 384). The compliance requirement mandates that this replacement be performed at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service, underscoring the importance of regular maintenance for air safety. The directive is a part of the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and operates under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, extending its regulatory reach to all operators and entities maintaining these aircraft within Australian airspace. While the directive is comprehensive, its application is confined to the specified aircraft models and does not extend to other types of aeroplanes or components.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, concerning the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes, require the replacement of the brake master cylinder diaphragms. This is detailed in AD/PA-22/15 Amendment 1, which mandates the installation of new Scott P/N B1751 (Piper P/N 750 384) diaphragms in all models equipped with the Scott brake master cylinder P/N B711. The compliance requirement stipulates that this replacement must occur at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and straightforward. Aircraft operators or owners must ensure that the specified brake master cylinder diaphragms are replaced in a timely manner, specifically within the 200-hour service interval. This requirement is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Failure to adhere to these intervals could result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's standards, potentially leading to grounding of the aircraft until the issue is rectified. Breaches of these regulations can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines up to $27,500 for individuals and $137,500 for corporations, as stipulated under Section 90 of the Act. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment for up to five years for individuals, and fines up to $275,000 for corporations under Section 91. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the prescribed intervals and requirements for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.