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-22/30 Wing Fuel Tank Cap - Modification 5/78
Applicability: All models. Applicable only if a wing fuel tank cap has been replaced with either tank cap P/N 15926-02 since 1 June 1976 or, tank cap P/N 60707-02 modified as per Piper SB No. 522.
Document: Piper SB No. 573.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 May 1978.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation activities within Australia. One of the legislative instruments under these regulations is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically pertaining to Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. The Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-22/30, issued on 5 July 1978, was introduced to address a specific safety issue with the wing fuel tank cap of these aircraft models. The problem identified was related to the replacement of the wing fuel tank cap with certain parts, namely P/N 15926-02 or P/N 60707-02 modified as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 522, which could potentially lead to safety concerns if not properly addressed. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 May 1978, ensuring that the necessary modifications are implemented to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that apply to various aircraft types, including the Piper PA-22 series aeroplanes. The directive AD/PA-22/30 pertains to the modification of wing fuel tank caps, applicable to all models of the Piper PA-22 if a wing fuel tank cap has been replaced with either tank cap P/N 15926-02 after 1 June 1976, or tank cap P/N 60707-02 modified as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 522. This modification is mandatory and must be completed within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 31 May 1978, in accordance with the instructions provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 573. The regulation applies to all relevant aircraft operated within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring compliance with the prescribed safety standards and maintaining airworthiness.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 – 105, specifically AD/PA-22/30, pertain to the modification of the wing fuel tank cap for Piper PA-22 (Tri-Pacer and Colt) series aeroplanes. These provisions are designed to ensure that any replacement or modification of the wing fuel tank cap adheres to specified standards to maintain aircraft safety. Section 39.105(5) mandates that all models of the Piper PA-22 must comply with the directive if the wing fuel tank cap has been replaced with either tank cap P/N 15926-02 since 1 June 1976, or with tank cap P/N 60707-02 as modified per Piper Service Bulletin No. 522. The compliance deadline is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1978.
The Act imposes specific obligations on the owners and operators of Piper PA-22 aeroplanes. These parties must ensure that any replacement or modification of the wing fuel tank cap follows the guidelines outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 573. Specifically, they must confirm that the modifications comply with the requirements set forth in the legislation to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to adhere to these requirements could potentially compromise the safety and regulatory compliance of the aircraft, leading to serious operational and legal ramifications.
In terms of breaches and the associated consequences, the Act stipulates that non-compliance with the airworthiness directives can result in significant penalties. Although the exact penalties are not detailed within this specific legislative instrument, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 typically include both civil and criminal penalties. For civil infractions, penalties may include fines, while criminal offences could lead to imprisonment. The severity of these penalties can vary based on the degree of non-compliance and the impact on aviation safety. It is imperative for aircraft operators to meticulously adhere to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and ensure the continued safe operation of their aircraft.