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-25/9 Sealing of Rear Fuel Tank Bay 10/62
Applicability: Model PA-25-235 and variants of that model.
Requirement: All openings between the fuselage fuel tank bay and the hopper bay shall be sealed with plates of 2024ST material not less than 24 gauge or other material having at least equivalent fire resistant properties.
Compliance: Before 1 September 1971.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to regulate civil aviation safety, ensuring that all aircraft operating within Australia meet specific safety standards. One such regulation, F2006B05581 (Legislative instrument), was introduced to address a critical safety concern associated with the Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series Aeroplanes. This specific directive, AD/PA-25/9, targets the sealing of the rear fuel tank bay to prevent potential fire hazards by mandating that all openings between the fuselage fuel tank bay and the hopper bay must be sealed with plates of 2024ST material not less than 24 gauge or other materials that exhibit equivalent fire-resistant properties. The compliance deadline for this directive was set before 1 September 1971, underscoring the urgency and importance of the safety measure. The policy objective behind this regulation is to enhance aircraft safety by mitigating fire risks, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the regulation of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular regulation, AD/PA-25/9, applies to Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) series aeroplanes, specifically the model PA-25-235 and its variants. The directive mandates that all openings between the fuselage fuel tank bay and the hopper bay must be sealed using plates made of 2024ST material, which must be at least 24 gauge thick, or an alternative material with equivalent fire-resistant properties. Compliance with these sealing requirements must be achieved before 1 September 1971. This regulation extends to any person or entity operating these specified aircraft models within Australian airspace, enforcing stringent safety standards to mitigate fire risks associated with fuel tank bay openings. The regulation's scope is not limited by geographic boundaries within Australia, applying uniformly across all states, territories, and Commonwealth areas. The application of this directive is pivotal in ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft models, thereby safeguarding the aviation industry and public safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, section 105, outlines a crucial safety directive for Piper PA-25 (Pawnee) Series aeroplanes, namely AD/PA-25/9, which addresses the sealing of the rear fuel tank bay (10/62). This directive applies to model PA-25-235 and its variants. The primary requirement of this directive is that all openings between the fuselage fuel tank bay and the hopper bay must be sealed with plates made of 2024ST material, which should be no thinner than 24 gauge, or an alternative material with equivalent fire-resistant properties (AD/PA-25/9). This measure is intended to prevent fuel leaks and potential fire hazards.
Compliance with AD/PA-25/9 is mandatory for all applicable aircraft. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-25 models must ensure that the sealing work is completed before 1 September 1971 (AD/PA-25/9). This involves inspecting the aircraft to identify all openings between the fuselage fuel tank bay and the hopper bay and then sealing these openings with appropriate materials. The materials used must meet the specified gauge and fire-resistant properties to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with AD/PA-25/9 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these directives rigorously. Any breach of these safety requirements may lead to enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the aircraft. The seriousness of non-compliance stems from the potential safety risks involved, such as fuel leaks that could result in fire or explosion. Therefore, it is imperative that all stakeholders adhere strictly to the provisions of AD/PA-25/9 to ensure the safety and compliance of the aircraft with aviation safety standards.