AD/PA-22/24 Amdt 1 - Right Hand Fuel Tank Quantity Gauge - Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, provide a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. Among the numerous regulations contained within, Part 39 focuses on specific airworthiness directives to maintain and enhance the safety standards of aircraft operations. The introduction of these directives addresses potential safety gaps that might otherwise compromise the integrity and safety of aviation activities. For instance, Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-22/24 Amendment 1, which pertains to Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes, was introduced to rectify an issue with the right-hand fuel tank quantity gauge. This directive mandates the installation of a placard within 100 hours of time in service after 29 May 1970 to ensure pilots are adequately informed about the fuel tank's status, thereby enhancing flight safety. The policy objective underpinning these regulations is to minimise aviation risks and ensure the highest standards of safety for all civil aviation activities in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the application of airworthiness directives by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, targeting the Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes, including the Tri-Pacer and Colt models. This legislative instrument applies to all Piper PA-22 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 22-1 to 22-7642, mandating compliance with the directive concerning the right-hand fuel tank quantity gauge placard. This requirement must be met within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 29 May 1970. The directive is based on Piper Service Bulletin No. 250A, which sets out the specific measures and compliance procedures necessary to ensure continued airworthiness of these aircraft. The regulations are enforced within the Commonwealth of Australia, applying to all relevant aircraft operations and maintenance within its jurisdiction, with no stated exclusions or exemptions. The scope of the directive is extended through subordinate instruments and technical bulletins issued by the manufacturer, ensuring a consistent and detailed approach to compliance and safety.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/PA-22/24 Amendment 1, pertain to the right-hand fuel tank quantity gauge placard for Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes (section 39-105). This Airworthiness Directive mandates that all models with serial numbers ranging from 22-1 to 22-7642 must comply with the requirements outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 250A. The directive requires the installation of a placard to provide clear visibility of the right-hand fuel tank quantity gauge within 100 hours of time in service after 29 May 1970. This ensures that the gauge remains accessible and legible to the pilot, facilitating proper fuel management during flight. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on the operators of the affected Piper PA-22 aeroplanes. Primarily, they must ensure that the installation of the placard is completed according to the specifications in Piper Service Bulletin No. 250A within the stipulated timeframe. This includes verifying that the placard is correctly affixed and that the fuel tank quantity gauge is unobstructed and easily readable. Operators are also required to maintain records of compliance, demonstrating that the directive has been adhered to within the prescribed 100 hours of time in service. These obligations are essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure safe operational practices. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-22/24 Amendment 1 can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is considered a serious breach that can lead to enforcement actions. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take regulatory measures against operators who fail to adhere to the directive. This can include the imposition of fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential legal action against the operators. The maximum penalties for such breaches can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to safety directives to prevent any compromise in flight safety. Operators must therefore prioritise compliance to avoid these serious repercussions.