AD/PA-24/26 Amdt 1 - Pitch Trim Switch - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to establish comprehensive safety standards and regulatory frameworks for civil aviation in Australia, addressing the need for a cohesive set of rules to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel. One of the legislative instruments under these regulations, F2006B05524, specifically targets the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes through an Airworthiness Directive aimed at enhancing safety by mandating modifications to the pitch trim switch on certain models. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, seeks to mitigate risks associated with the pitch trim switch by requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1977, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 527 or FAA Airworthiness Directive 77-09-10. This directive underscores the policy objective of maintaining stringent safety standards to protect both crew and passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series aeroplanes, particularly those within the model PA-24-260 range, having serial numbers from 24-4783 to 24-5047, and equipped with a rocker type trim switch on the pilot’s control wheel. This regulation is enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies nationwide across Australia, ensuring uniform safety standards are adhered to within the Commonwealth. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service following 28 February 1977, as referenced by Piper Service Bulletin No. 527 or FAA AD 77-09-10, to address safety concerns associated with the pitch trim switch. While the regulation itself sets forth specific requirements, CASA may further extend or detail its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring all relevant stakeholders, including aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel, are fully aware of and comply with the stipulated safety measures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically address airworthiness directives concerning various aircraft models, including the Piper PA-24 Comanche series aeroplanes. In this context, AD/PA-24/26 Amendment 1 focuses on the modification of the pitch trim switch for model PA-24-260 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos) ranging from 24-4783 to 24-5047, which are equipped with a rocker type trim switch on the pilot’s control wheel. This directive is grounded in Piper Service Bulletin No. 527 or FAA AD 77-09-10, and it mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February, 1977. The directive imposes several obligations on the owners and operators of the specified aeroplanes. Firstly, it requires that the pitch trim switch be modified as per the specifications provided in the referenced documents. This modification is critical to address any potential safety issues associated with the rocker type trim switch, ensuring the aircraft meets the necessary safety standards. Additionally, operators must ensure that the modifications are completed by qualified personnel who are familiar with the requirements of the directive and the specific technical details of the aircraft model in question. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are completed. Furthermore, operators may face enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including fines, penalties, or other regulatory sanctions. The exact nature and severity of these consequences depend on the extent of non-compliance and the specific circumstances of each case. In severe instances, there may also be implications for the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft, potentially affecting its ability to operate legally. The penalties for non-compliance with this airworthiness directive can be substantial. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide for fines that can reach up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance may also result in criminal charges, which could lead to imprisonment. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to take these measures to ensure that the safety standards set forth in the regulations are upheld, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry.