AD/PA-28/18 - Wing Rear Spar Attachment Bolts - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through Legislative Instrument F2006B05585, specifically address the safety concerns associated with Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes by introducing Airworthiness Directives (ADs). This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure the ongoing airworthiness and safety of these aircraft, addressing a recognised problem in maintaining the structural integrity of certain components. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enacting body responsible for issuing these directives, with a clear policy objective to mitigate potential safety risks through regular inspections and compliance measures. The directive AD/PA-28/18, for instance, mandates an inspection of wing rear spar attachment bolts within 100 hours of time in service following 25 January 1968, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 261, to ensure continued operational safety and compliance with airworthiness standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to all Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation mandates that the rear spar attachment bolts of these aircraft must be inspected in compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 261. The directive applies to all such aircraft, irrespective of their registration or operation within Australia or overseas, thereby ensuring that all Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes meet the specified safety standards. The compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 25 January 1968, with no exclusions or exemptions specified in the directive itself. This mandate ensures that the safety protocols for these aircraft are uniformly enforced across the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (section 39.105), establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives (AD) for Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. One such AD, AD/PA-28/18, pertains to the inspection of wing rear spar attachment bolts (section 39.105(1)). This directive applies to all Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 261 (section 39.105(2)). Compliance with this directive requires that the inspection of the wing rear spar attachment bolts be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 25 January 1968 (section 39.105(3)). The obligations imposed by this AD are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that the wing rear spar attachment bolts are inspected within the stipulated timeframe (section 39.105(4)). This inspection must adhere to the guidelines and specifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 261 (section 39.105(5)). Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thus impacting its operational status and safety (section 39.105(6)). Should an operator or entity fail to comply with the requirements of AD/PA-28/18, there may be significant legal consequences. Under section 39.105(7) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance can result in enforcement actions by CASA. These actions may include the issuance of a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty (section 39.105(8)). The maximum penalty for non-compliance can be substantial, potentially including fines and other administrative actions as outlined in the regulations (section 39.105(9)). Continuous adherence to these directives is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to avoid any legal repercussions.