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-24/45 Engine Air Filter 9/99
Applicability: PA-24-180 and PA-24-250 aircraft serial numbers 24-103 through 24-3687, and PA-24-260 aircraft serial numbers 24-3642, 24-4000 through 24-5028;
fitted with a Facet engine air inlet filter part number (P/N) 638873 manufactured in the period January 1997 to September 1998.
Note 1: Filters of concern can be identified by accessing the filter and locating the brand name and part number. Filters of concern are branded “FACET 638873” in 0.250”(1/4”) high white characters with no date code.
Requirement: To prevent pieces of a damaged air filter from being ingested in the engine, inspect applicable air filters in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin Number (No.) 1022 and/or Purolator Service Bulletin No. 090298.01.
Note 2: Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 42ZC (4) (d) permits the holder of a pilot licence, other than a student pilot, that is valid for the aircraft, to change the air filter. Therefore, should applicable air filters be removed from service prior to the effective date of this directive, the directive will no longer be applicable.
Note 3: FAA Airworthiness Directive 99-05-09 refers.
Compliance: Installed filters: At next inspection of the engine air inlet filter element or within 25 hours time in service from the effective date of this directive, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service.
Spare filters: Prior to installation in a engine.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 September 1999.
Background: This directive has been issued to address reports of cracking and break up of certain air filter elements. The defects resulted from evidence of manufacturing errors in filters produced during the period January 1997 though September 1998. The directive requires applicable filters to be inspected for evidence of deterioration.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and enacted by the Australian Parliament, were introduced to address the need for stringent safety measures in civil aviation. One of the specific directives under this regulation is the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-24/45, which targets Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address safety concerns related to engine air filter elements manufactured between January 1997 and September 1998. These filters were found to be prone to cracking and breaking, which could lead to pieces being ingested in the engine, thus posing a significant risk to aircraft safety. The directive mandates inspections of these filters to ensure they are not compromised, aiming to maintain the airworthiness of affected aircraft and protect pilots and passengers.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the maintenance and safety of specific aircraft models within Australia. This regulation applies to Piper PA-24 (Comanche) series aeroplanes, more precisely those serial numbers 24-103 through 24-3687 for PA-24-180 and PA-24-250 models, and serial numbers 24-3642, 24-4000 through 24-5028 for the PA-24-260 model, that are fitted with a Facet engine air inlet filter part number 638873 manufactured between January 1997 and September 1998. The directive mandates the inspection of these filters to prevent any pieces from being ingested by the engine, as determined by Piper Service Bulletin Number 1022 or Purolator Service Bulletin No. 090298.01. The requirement applies to installed filters at the next engine air inlet filter inspection or within 25 hours of service from the directive's effective date, and to spare filters before their installation. This regulation is intended to mitigate the risk of engine failure due to manufacturing defects in certain air filters.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, within the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically addresses the Piper PA-24 (Comanche) Series Aeroplanes with AD/PA-24/45 (Section 105.05). This particular directive pertains to the engine air filter, focusing on preventing the ingestion of filter fragments into the engine, which could cause damage or failure. The directive applies to PA-24-180 and PA-24-250 aircraft with serial numbers 24-103 to 24-3687 and PA-24-260 aircraft with serial numbers 24-3642, 24-4000 to 24-5028, all fitted with Facet engine air inlet filters manufactured between January 1997 and September 1998. These filters are identifiable by their white branding with the part number "FACET 638873" and no date code.
The primary requirement of this directive is the inspection of applicable air filters for signs of cracking or deterioration. This inspection should be conducted in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 1022 or Purolator Service Bulletin No. 090298.01. This ensures that the filters are deemed airworthy before being used. It's important to note that under Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 42ZC (4) (d), the holder of a valid pilot licence, excluding student pilots, can perform the air filter change themselves. If the filter in question is removed from service before the directive's effective date, the directive no longer applies.
Compliance with the directive requires inspections of installed filters at the next engine air inlet filter element inspection or within 25 hours of service from the directive's effective date, whichever is sooner. For spare filters, inspection must occur before installation. The directive became effective on 9 September 1999, aiming to mitigate the risk of engine damage due to filter failure. The directive references the FAA Airworthiness Directive 99-05-09, which supports the measures being implemented.
In terms of breaches and consequences, the Civil Aviation Regulations do not specify particular offences or penalties within this directive. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant safety risks and potential enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. These actions could include grounding of the aircraft, fines, and other regulatory penalties. The overarching goal is to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft in question.