COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series Aeroplanes
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
AD/PA-25/41 Engine Air Filter 8/2000
Applicability: Model PA-25, PA-25-235 and PA-25-260, all serial numbers, equipped with Puralator (FACET) air filter P/No 638873, Model CA161PL or Piper P/N 460-632
(PS60007-2).
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: 1. Inspect applicable air filters in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No 1022 and/or Puralator Service Bulletin No SB090298.01.
2. Replace applicable air filters with an approved air filter.
Replacing the air filter with an approved filter other than a Puralator (FACET) P/N 638873 filter constitutes a terminating action for the requirements of this Directive.
Note 2: FAA AD 99-26-05 Amdt 39-11464 refers.
Compliance: 1. Unless previously accomplished; 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. Thereafter, re-inspect at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service.
2. Installed filters: At next periodic inspection or within 12 months time in service from the effect date of this Directive, whichever occurs first.
3. Spare filters: Prior to installation in a engine.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 10 August 2000.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Background: This Directive has been issued to address reports of cracking and break up of certain air filters. The defects resulted from evidence of manufacturing errors in filters produced during the period January 1997 though September 1998.
Eugene Paul Holzapfel
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 30 June 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 July 2000.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate civil aviation safety within Australia and were established under the authority of the Australian Parliament. These regulations aim to ensure that all civil aviation operations and aircraft meet stringent safety standards. One specific measure introduced by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998 is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which are legally binding orders to address identified safety issues. The AD for Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/PA-25/41, was introduced to rectify an unsafe condition identified in certain engine air filters used in these aircraft. This directive was issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure that the specified air filters, which had manufacturing defects potentially leading to cracking and failure, were inspected and replaced to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The objective of this AD is to mitigate the risk of engine failure due to compromised air filters, thereby enhancing flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD/PA-25/41) applies to Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series aeroplanes, including models PA-25, PA-25-235, and PA-25-260, all serial numbers, which are equipped with specific Puralator (FACET) air filters, namely P/No 638873 or Piper P/N 460-632(PS60007-2). The directive mandates inspections and replacements of certain air filters to address issues of cracking and break-up caused by manufacturing errors in filters produced between January 1997 and September 1998. The directive applies nationwide and requires compliance with specific inspection and replacement intervals, either at certain time intervals or during periodic inspections. It also outlines the actions that need to be taken for installed and spare filters. The directive became effective on 10 August 2000, and its notification was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 12 July 2000.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), specifically under Part 39, Section 105, details the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These directives are issued to ensure that aircraft and aeronautical products remain airworthy. The AD for Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) series aeroplanes, identified as AD/PA-25/41, pertains to engine air filters and was issued on 30 June 2000, becoming effective on 10 August 2000. It specifically targets models PA-25, PA-25-235, and PA-25-260 equipped with certain air filters (sections 1-3).
This AD requires that the specified air filters be inspected and, if necessary, replaced. The applicable air filters are those branded "FACET 638873" with no date code. The inspection must be conducted in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No 1022 and/or Puralator Service Bulletin No SB090298.01. If the air filters are found to be defective, they must be replaced with an approved air filter. If an air filter other than the specified Puralator (FACET) P/N 638873 is used, this will terminate the requirements of this directive (section 4). The inspection and replacement must be carried out at specific intervals: at the next inspection of the engine air inlet filter element or within 25 hours of service from the effective date of the directive, whichever comes first. Thereafter, inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of service time (section 5).
The obligations imposed by this AD include regular inspections and, if necessary, the replacement of defective air filters. For air filters already in service, the first inspection must occur within 25 hours of the directive's effective date. For installed filters, the first inspection must occur at the next periodic inspection or within 12 months from the effective date. Spare filters must be inspected prior to installation (section 6). Failure to comply with the requirements of this directive can lead to safety issues, as the directive is issued to address known defects that could compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft.
In terms of penalties, while the specific AD does not detail penalties, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations provide for enforcement actions, which can include fines and other sanctions. Civil penalties can be substantial, and in severe cases, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment. These measures are intended to ensure that all parties comply with airworthiness standards to maintain the highest level of aviation safety.