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-24/38 Aileron Spar - Inspection and Modification 2/77
Applicability: All models PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260 and PA-24-400 with S/Nos. 24-1 to 24- 5047 and 26-2 to 26-148 not incorporating Piper Kit No. 760914.
Document: Piper SL No. 787.
Compliance: Inspection within 100 hours time in service after 28 February 1977 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until modified.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address the need for ongoing aircraft safety and operational reliability through the implementation of airworthiness directives, such as AD/PA-24/38. This specific directive was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the aileron spars of certain Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes. The regulation targets models PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, and PA-24-400 with serial numbers within the specified range, excluding those incorporating Piper Kit No. 760914. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft maintain their airworthiness by mandating regular inspections and modifications to the aileron spars to prevent potential structural failures. This directive is intended to mitigate risks and enhance the safety of air travel by imposing stringent maintenance requirements on affected aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandates certain safety measures and inspections for specific aircraft models. This regulation applies to all Piper PA-24 Comanche series aeroplanes, including models PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, and PA-24-400, with serial numbers ranging from 24-1 to 24-5047 and 26-2 to 26-148, provided they do not incorporate Piper Kit No. 760914. The directive, AD/PA-24/38, mandates a critical inspection of the aileron spar within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1977 and requires subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the specified modifications are made, as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 787. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified parameters are maintained to the required safety standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes. Section AD/PA-24/38 focuses on the inspection and modification of the aileron spar for certain models of the PA-24 series. This directive applies to all PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, and PA-24-400 models with specific serial numbers, excluding those that have incorporated Piper Kit No. 760914 (subsection 2/77).
The main operative sections of this directive require an inspection of the aileron spar within 100 hours of time in service following 28 February 1977. This initial inspection is mandatory, and subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the required modifications are completed. The document referenced for compliance is Piper SL No. 787. The directive mandates that these inspections and any necessary modifications be carried out to ensure the continued airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.
Entities and parties governed by this directive must adhere to stringent obligations. Operators of the affected Piper PA-24 series aeroplanes are required to conduct the specified inspections and modifications in accordance with the timelines and procedures outlined in the directive. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant safety risks and potential non-compliance with aviation regulations. Operators must maintain records of all inspections and modifications performed, and these records must be readily available for review by CASA upon request.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in this directive can result in serious consequences. Civil and criminal penalties may be imposed for non-compliance. The specific consequences and penalties are detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Operators found in breach of these regulations may face fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in safety incidents or accidents. The maximum penalties can be substantial, reflecting the critical importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aviation operations.