COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-23/55 Fuel System - Inspection and Modification 11/72
Applicability: All PA-23 series with S/N 27-1 to 27-2504 and 27-2505 to 27-4765. Document: Piper SL No. 606A.
Compliance: At next major inspection after 30 November 1972.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation within Australia. The specific legislative instrument F2006B05482, concerning Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, addresses the safety standards for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes. This regulation was introduced to ensure that all aircraft operations adhere to stringent safety requirements, aiming to mitigate risks and enhance the safety of civil aviation. The policy objective of this particular regulation is to mandate regular inspections and modifications to the fuel systems of specified Piper PA-23 series aeroplanes to prevent potential safety hazards that could compromise flight operations. This directive applies to aircraft with specific serial numbers and requires compliance at the next major inspection following a specified date.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under Part 39 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 governs the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft in Australian airspace. Specifically, AD/PA-23/55 pertains to Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes with serial numbers within the specified ranges. This directive mandates that aircraft owners or operators must ensure compliance with the fuel system inspection and modification requirements outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 606A. Compliance is necessary at the next major inspection following 30 November 1972. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft registered in Australia, irrespective of the location of their operations within the country, ensuring that the aircraft meet the specified safety standards. While the primary focus is on the aircraft within the serial number ranges, the directive does not specify exclusions or exemptions, meaning all applicable aircraft must adhere to the outlined requirements. The scope of this directive can be extended or further clarified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which mandate compliance with specific safety measures for certain types of aircraft. One such directive is AD/PA-23/55, which pertains to the fuel system of Piper PA-23 (Apache and Aztec) series aeroplanes (s.1). This directive applies to all PA-23 series aircraft with serial numbers 27-1 to 27-2504 and 27-2505 to 27-4765 (s.2). The directive requires that compliance be achieved at the next major inspection after 30 November 1972, as detailed in Piper Service Letter No. 606A (s.3).
The obligations imposed by AD/PA-23/55 on the relevant aircraft operators and maintenance providers are specific and clear. Operators must ensure that the fuel system inspection and necessary modifications are conducted in accordance with the detailed procedures outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 606A. This includes a thorough inspection of the fuel system components to identify and rectify any issues that could compromise flight safety. Maintenance providers, on the other hand, are responsible for performing the inspection and modifications to the specified standards, ensuring that the aircraft meets the airworthiness criteria set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Failure to comply with AD/PA-23/55 can result in significant consequences, including both civil and criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, or other administrative penalties. In more severe cases, where non-compliance results in a safety incident or accident, the operator or maintenance provider may face criminal charges. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of failing to adhere to airworthiness directives designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.