AD/PA-22/20 - Exhaust System - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as a foundational piece of legislation for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. One specific aspect of these regulations is addressed in the Airworthiness Directives, which are designed to ensure that aircraft and related products, parts, and appliances continue to be in a condition that allows for safe operation. For example, AD/PA-22/20 targets Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes, specifically mandating inspections of the exhaust system at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service after 21 January 1963. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with exhaust system failures, which could potentially lead to catastrophic in-flight incidents. The policy objective behind such directives is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation, ensuring the protection of passengers, crew, and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the maintenance and operation of civil aircraft within Australian jurisdiction, enforcing safety directives to ensure airworthiness. Within this framework, AD/PA-22/20 pertains to Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes, including both the Tri-Pacer and Colt models, mandating that all such aircraft must undergo an inspection of their exhaust systems. This directive applies universally to all Piper PA-22 models, regardless of the operator, and is to be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service following 21 January 1963. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and compliance is critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft within Australian airspace. The legislation does not explicitly exclude any specific operators or circumstances but implicitly requires adherence to the outlined inspection intervals, with no stated exemptions or thresholds within the provided text. The regulation extends its application through subordinate instruments which may provide further details on the inspection processes and compliance verification.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, detail certain operational requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes (sections 105.01 to 105.10). Among these provisions, AD/PA-22/20 focuses on the inspection of the exhaust system. This directive applies to all models of Piper PA-22 aeroplanes, as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 324B (section 105.01(1)). Under this directive, operators of Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes are required to conduct an inspection of the exhaust system at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service after the specified date of 21 January 1963 (section 105.02(1)). This periodic inspection ensures that the exhaust system is in safe working condition, mitigating potential risks associated with exhaust failures. Operators must ensure that the inspections are performed by authorised personnel and that all findings are appropriately documented and addressed as per the regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the AD/PA-22/20 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulate that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives is an offence (section 105.03). If an operator does not adhere to the specified inspection intervals, it can result in penalties, which may include fines or other sanctions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). In cases of severe non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement actions such as grounding the aircraft until the required inspections are satisfactorily completed. Furthermore, the regulations provide for the possibility of both civil and criminal penalties for breaches. Civil penalties can include fines up to a specified maximum amount as determined by the court or regulatory body, while criminal penalties may apply for more serious infractions, potentially leading to imprisonment. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the safety directives to ensure the safety of all persons on board and the overall integrity of the aviation system.