AD/PA-28/2 - Rudder and Stabilator Control Cables, Installation of Fairleads - Modification and Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a significant piece of legislation designed to regulate civil aviation safety in Australia. One of the legislative instruments under this act is F2006B05586, which was enacted to address the need for safety improvements in specific aircraft models. This particular instrument, AD/PA-28/2, pertains to the installation of fairleads on the rudder and stabilator control cables of Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. The legislation was introduced to ensure that these aircraft meet necessary safety standards and to mitigate risks associated with the control cables, specifically for models with serial numbers ranging from 28-2 to 28-250. The policy objective is to enhance safety and reliability in civil aviation by mandating modifications and inspections as outlined in the Piper Service Letter No. 374, effective from 19 July 1962. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to uphold stringent safety standards in the Australian aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning Airworthiness Directives, governs the safety standards for aircraft within Australia, ensuring compliance with internationally recognised safety protocols. This legislative instrument applies to all Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 28-2 to 28-250, mandating the modification and inspection of rudder and stabilator control cables as per Piper Service Letter No. 374. Compliance with these directives is crucial for aircraft manufactured before 19 July 1962, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards to operate within Australian airspace. The regulations extend their reach throughout the Commonwealth, imposing stringent safety measures on applicable aircraft and their operators to prevent potential hazards that could compromise flight safety. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but the implementation of subordinate instruments may provide further clarification or exceptions as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the modification and inspection of rudder and stabilator control cables for the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. The directive, identified as AD/PA-28/2, applies to all models within the specified serial number range of 28-2 to 28-250 (Part 39 - 105). The directive references Piper Service Letter No. 374 and requires compliance before 19 July 1962. The primary requirement of AD/PA-28/2 is the installation of fairleads to the rudder and stabilator control cables. This modification aims to ensure that the control cables are properly guided and secured, thereby enhancing the aircraft's safety and operational integrity. The AD imposes several obligations on the parties or entities it governs. Owners and operators of the affected Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the specified rudder and stabilator control cable modifications are completed by the compliance date. This involves installing fairleads as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 374, which may necessitate the involvement of certified repair facilities or approved maintenance personnel. Furthermore, the directive mandates that any inspections related to these modifications are conducted by authorised personnel to verify compliance with the AD's requirements. Failure to adhere to the provisions of AD/PA-28/2 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement actions against any non-compliance, which could include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, or other regulatory measures. Additionally, operators who fail to comply with the AD may face operational restrictions, which could potentially lead to grounded aircraft until the necessary modifications and inspections are completed. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the AD itself but are governed by broader civil aviation laws and regulations.