COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-25/38 Fuel System 9/86
Applicability: All models fitted with wing fuel tanks to New Zealand Airwork modifications AW 396, 397 and 401.
Requirement: Modify aircraft, in a manner acceptable to the Secretary, to conform with the requirements of CAR 3.446.
Note: Aircraft in agricultural category must also conform with the requirement of ANO 101.17 Para 5.12.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 September 1986 or before 31 December 1986, whichever is the earliest.
Background: Reports have been received of the above aircraft encountering engine failure and difficulty with fuel supply due to unequal airspace tank pressures necessitating interconnection of tank airspaces or change to left/right/off single fuel selection.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, addresses the safety of Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) series aeroplanes through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, the objective of this legislation is to ensure the safe operation of aircraft by addressing identified safety concerns, in this instance, focusing on fuel system modifications for the specified Piper PA-25 models. This legislative instrument was introduced to mitigate the risk of engine failure and fuel supply issues, which have been reported in aircraft fitted with wing fuel tanks, particularly those modified to New Zealand Airwork specifications AW 396, 397, and 401. The directive mandates modifications to the fuel system to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations and, where applicable, the Australian National Aviation Orders, ensuring these aircraft meet the required safety standards before a specified date.
The Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-25/38 requires that all applicable Piper PA-25 series aeroplanes undergo modifications to their fuel systems to rectify identified safety issues. This includes ensuring the aircraft conform to the requirements of CAR 3.446, with additional compliance necessary for those in the agricultural category as per ANO 101.17 Para 5.12. The directive stipulates that these modifications must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1986 or before 31 December 1986, whichever is sooner. This timeframe was set to promptly address the reported incidents of engine failure and difficulties with fuel supply due to unequal tank pressures, thereby enhancing the overall safety of these aircraft in operation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) series aeroplanes equipped with wing fuel tanks that have undergone New Zealand Airwork modifications AW 396, 397, and 401. This legislation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation mandates that these aircraft must be modified to meet the specified requirements of Civil Aviation Regulation 3.446, with additional compliance requirements for aircraft in the agricultural category under Air Navigation Order 101.17, Paragraph 5.12. Compliance with these modifications must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service following 30 September 1986 or before 31 December 1986, whichever is the earliest. The directive arises from reports of engine failures and difficulties with fuel supply due to unequal airspace tank pressures, necessitating the interconnection of tank airspaces or a change to the left/right/off single fuel selection. The regulation does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all specified aircraft must comply unless otherwise directed by the Secretary.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation pertain to the applicability and requirements for modifications to the fuel system of Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series Aeroplanes. Section 105 of PART 39 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 specifies that the modifications apply to all models fitted with wing fuel tanks that have undergone New Zealand Airwork modifications AW 396, 397, and 401. The requirement (section 9/86) is for the aircraft to be modified in a manner acceptable to the Secretary to conform with the requirements of CAR 3.446. For aircraft in the agricultural category, an additional requirement (section ANO 101.17 Para 5.12) must also be met. The compliance period (section 100 hours time in service) is within 100 hours after 30 September 1986, or before 31 December 1986, whichever is the earliest.
The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this Act include ensuring that the specified modifications are carried out in a manner that is acceptable to the Secretary. This involves adherence to the requirements of CAR 3.446 and, for agricultural category aircraft, ANO 101.17 Para 5.12. The modifications must be completed within the specified timeframe, which is within 100 hours after 30 September 1986 or before 31 December 1986. The goal of these modifications is to address engine failure and fuel supply difficulties by ensuring equal airspace tank pressures, which can be achieved through interconnection of tank airspaces or altering the left/right/off single fuel selection.
The legislation also outlines the consequences for failure to comply with the requirements. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to civil or criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines and other monetary penalties, while criminal penalties may involve imprisonment or more severe fines. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific circumstances and any applicable laws at the time of the offence. Given the potential safety implications of non-compliance, it is imperative for parties to adhere strictly to the mandated modifications and timelines to avoid any legal repercussions.