COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-24/32
Amdt 1
Stabilator Attachment Bolts - Inspection 3/74
Applicability: All model PA-24 with S/Nos. 24-1 to 24-5047.
Requirement: Remove the LH and RH stabilator attachment bolts and inspect bolts for corrosion.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 January 1974 and there- after at intervals not exceeding 3 months until replaced in accordance with Piper SL No. 667.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B05531, addresses the specific safety concerns associated with the stabilator attachment bolts of Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections and maintenance of critical components. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Australian Parliament, introduced this amendment to fill a safety gap identified in the stabilator attachment bolts of certain Piper PA-24 models. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by preventing structural failures that could arise from corroded bolts, thereby protecting both crew and passengers.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for ensuring the safety of aircraft in operation. Under this legislation, the scope is narrowly defined to target a particular series of aeroplanes, in this case, the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes. The directive applies to all model PA-24 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 24-1 to 24-5047. This regulation mandates a specific inspection requirement for the stabilator attachment bolts, demanding that they be removed and inspected for corrosion. The compliance timeline is set to ensure inspections occur within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1974 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding three months until the bolts are replaced as per Piper Service Letter No. 667. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying across all of Australia under the oversight of the Commonwealth's civil aviation safety authority. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, implying a broad application to the specified aircraft models. Additionally, the enforcement of this directive may be extended or refined through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation (AD/PA-24/32 Amendment 1) pertain to the stabilator attachment bolts of Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series aeroplanes. Specifically, section 3/74 addresses the requirement to inspect the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) stabilator attachment bolts for corrosion. This inspection is applicable to all model PA-24 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 24-1 to 24-5047. The inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1974, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding three months until the bolts are replaced in accordance with Piper Service Letter (SL) No. 667. This mandate ensures the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft by preventing corrosion-related issues that could compromise the stabilator's function.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties and entities it governs are clear and precise. Aircraft operators and maintenance personnel must adhere to the specified inspection intervals and procedures to ensure the stabilator attachment bolts are free from corrosion. This involves removing the bolts, inspecting them thoroughly, and following the replacement guidelines outlined in Piper SL No. 667. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in serious safety risks, highlighting the importance of meticulous adherence to the stipulated requirements.
Breaching the provisions outlined in this legislation can have significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties for non-compliance, which could include both civil and criminal repercussions. Under Australian law, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in substantial fines and potential imprisonment. The specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument but typically reflect the severity of the breach and its potential impact on aviation safety. The overarching goal is to ensure that all stakeholders maintain the highest safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public.