AD/PA-24/25 - Seat Frame - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive body of law that governs all aspects of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations. One particular area addressed by these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) which mandate specific actions to be taken to maintain the airworthiness of certain aircraft. The legislative instrument F2006B05523 is an example of such an AD, targeting specific Piper PA-24 Comanche Series Aeroplanes to ensure their continued safety in operation. The directive, AD/PA-24/25, requires modification to the seat frames of particular models with specified serial numbers, to be carried out within a stipulated timeframe to address a recognised safety concern. The policy objective behind these regulations is to protect the public and all persons involved in aviation activities by establishing and enforcing safety standards. This specific legislative instrument focuses on the Piper PA-24 Comanche Series Aeroplanes, mandating a modification to the seat frames of certain models. The objective is to rectify a safety issue identified in the aircraft’s design, specifically affecting models with vertically adjustable pilot and co-pilot seats within the given serial number range. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring the modification to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 336. The enactment of such directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 underscores the commitment of CASA to proactive safety management in the aviation sector, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all stakeholders.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives concerning certain aircraft models to ensure compliance with safety standards. This particular directive, AD/PA-24/25, pertains to the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes, particularly those with specific serial numbers having vertically adjustable pilot and co-pilot seat installations. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 336. The directive applies geographically within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It is important to note that this directive is narrowly tailored to the specified models and serial numbers, and does not extend to other aircraft types or configurations. Any subordinate instruments or additional clarifications issued by CASA further define the scope and implementation of this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, outlines the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the maintenance and operation of aircraft in Australia. One such directive, AD/PA-24/25, pertains to the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes, particularly those with model PA-24-260 and certain serial numbers (sections 39 - 105(1) and (2)). The directive mandates a modification to the seat frames of the pilot and/or co-pilot seats in affected aircraft. These aircraft must comply with Piper Service Bulletin No. 336, which requires the modification to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971. The primary obligation imposed by this directive is that the specified modifications to the seat frames must be carried out within the prescribed timeframe. This ensures that the aircraft meet the required safety standards and remain airworthy. Failure to adhere to these modifications could result in the aircraft being grounded until the necessary changes are made, potentially disrupting flight schedules and operations. Should an aircraft owner or operator fail to comply with AD/PA-24/25, there are significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, it is clear that non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These actions might include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory sanctions. Such penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the ADs to maintain the safety and integrity of civil aviation operations in Australia.