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-24/40 Aileron Nose Rib - Inspection and Modification 3/80
Applicability: All models: PA-24-180 and 250 with S/Nos. 24-1 and up, PA-24-260 with S/Nos.
24-4000 and up, and PA-24-400 with S/Nos. 26-1 and up.
Document: 1. Piper SL No. 850; or
2. FAA AD 79-20-10, Amdt. 39-3579.
Compliance: Inspect within 100 hours time in service after 30 November 1979 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until modified by fitting Piper Kit Part No. 763 893.
Background: The manufacturer has received reports of cracks developing in the aileron nose rib of several aeroplanes regardless of any previous modification kit fitted.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, encompasses regulations concerning the airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted by the Australian Parliament to address safety concerns and ensure compliance with airworthiness standards in civil aviation. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and modifications to identified parts of aeroplanes to mitigate the risk of accidents caused by structural failures. The 1998 Regulations include a schedule of airworthiness directives that mandate inspections and modifications to certain parts of aircraft to address known safety issues. For instance, AD/PA-24/40 pertains to the inspection and modification of the aileron nose rib in Piper PA-24 series aeroplanes, following reports of cracks in this critical component. The directive requires inspections within 100 hours after a specified date and subsequent regular inspections until the part is modified with a manufacturer-approved kit, thereby enhancing overall aircraft safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety of aircraft operations and maintenance within Australia, encompassing all Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes identified by specific serial numbers. This legislation applies to the models PA-24-180 and 250 with serial numbers 24-1 and above, PA-24-260 with serial numbers 24-4000 and above, and PA-24-400 with serial numbers 26-1 and above. The regulations mandate an inspection of the aileron nose rib within 100 hours of time in service following 30 November 1979 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the aircraft is modified by fitting Piper Kit Part No. 763 893. This directive is based on documented reports of cracks developing in the aileron nose rib of several aeroplanes, regardless of any previous modification kit. The regulations ensure compliance with Piper Service Letter No. 850 or FAA AD 79-20-10, Amendment 39-3579, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the specified aircraft and ensuring safety standards are upheld within Australian airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes through AD/PA-24/40, which mandates inspection and modification of the aileron nose rib (section 3/80). This directive applies to all models of the PA-24 series, including PA-24-180 and 250 with serial numbers 24-1 and above, PA-24-260 with serial numbers 24-4000 and above, and PA-24-400 with serial numbers 26-1 and above. Compliance with this directive requires that aeroplanes be inspected within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1979, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the modification is made by fitting Piper Kit Part No. 763 893.
The obligations imposed by this directive include regular inspections of the specified aileron nose rib components in the affected Piper PA-24 aeroplanes. The directive mandates that these inspections must be conducted by authorised personnel and documented accordingly. Additionally, operators must ensure that any identified issues are addressed by modifying the aileron nose rib using the specified Piper kit to prevent the development of cracks.
Failure to comply with the inspection and modification requirements outlined in AD/PA-24/40 may result in significant consequences. Non-compliance can lead to penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may include fines and other enforcement actions. Furthermore, operating an aeroplane that does not meet the airworthiness standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority could result in serious safety risks, potentially leading to accidents and endangering lives. Therefore, adherence to these directives is crucial to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.