COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-22/29 Fuselage Structure, Upper Cabin - Inspection 12/77
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Remove interior trim to expose fuselage lateral members at top of windshield, front and rear spar carry through structure and upper longerons in cabin area.
2. Visually inspect the exposed structural members for corrosion and condition of protective coatings.
Compliance: Initially inspect before 1 January 1979, unless inspected since 1 July 1977, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 3 years.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation in Australia, addressing the need for safety and operational standards in the industry. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives is designed to ensure that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards by issuing directives that require specific inspections, repairs, or modifications. One such directive, AD/PA-22/29, pertains to the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes, aiming to address issues related to the fuselage structure. This directive was introduced to mandate inspections of the fuselage structure, particularly focusing on the upper cabin area, to ensure it remains free from corrosion and that protective coatings are in good condition. The objective of this regulation is to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft, thereby ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to establish and enforce standards for civil aviation safety, aiming to protect the public and ensure the efficient operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Part 39 - 105 of these regulations includes specific directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, such as AD/PA-22/29, which targets the Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes. This directive requires regular inspections of the fuselage structure in the upper cabin area to prevent corrosion and maintain protective coatings. The policy objective behind this regulation is to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that aircraft are maintained in a condition that safeguards against structural failures, thereby protecting all those involved in air travel.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in PART 39 - 105, specifically addresses the application of Airworthiness Directives to the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models within this series and mandates that the fuselage structure, particularly the upper cabin, be subject to a thorough inspection to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive requires the removal of interior trim to expose critical fuselage lateral members, including the top of the windshield, front and rear spar carry-through structures, and upper longerons within the cabin area. These exposed structural members must be visually inspected for any signs of corrosion and the condition of any protective coatings. The compliance schedule stipulates that an initial inspection must occur before 1 January 1979, unless such an inspection has already been conducted since 1 July 1977, and subsequent inspections must be performed at intervals not exceeding three years. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all operators of Piper PA-22 aircraft adhere to these stringent safety requirements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), under PART 39 - 105, include a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/PA-22/29, which mandates the inspection of the fuselage structure. The directive (AD/PA-22/29) requires that the interior trim be removed to expose specific fuselage lateral members. This includes the areas at the top of the windshield, the front and rear spar carry-through structures, and the upper longerons within the cabin area (Section 1). The primary requirement is to visually inspect these exposed structural members for signs of corrosion and to assess the condition of the protective coatings (Section 2).
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and precise. Aircraft operators and owners must ensure that the specified inspection is conducted. For new aircraft owners or those who have not had the specified areas inspected since 1 July 1977, the initial inspection must be completed before 1 January 1979. After this initial inspection, subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding three years (Section 3). These obligations are designed to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft, ensuring that any potential issues with corrosion or protective coating failures are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
Failure to comply with the AD/PA-22/29 provisions can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, non-compliance with airworthiness directives typically results in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include fines, the suspension of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and potential legal action. The severity of the penalties may vary based on the extent of non-compliance and the risk posed to aviation safety. It is essential for aircraft operators to adhere to these directives to avoid any adverse legal or safety repercussions.