AD/PA-28/24 - Control Wheel Retaining Pin - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, contain provisions to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Part 39, specifically, addresses the issuing of Airworthiness Directives, which are regulatory requirements designed to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-28/24, pertains to the modification of the control wheel retaining pin for certain models of Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address a known safety issue where the control wheel retaining pin could potentially disengage, leading to loss of control over the aircraft. The directive mandates specific modifications to the retaining pin to prevent such occurrences, thereby enhancing the overall safety of these aircraft models. The Airworthiness Directives are issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which operates under the authority of the Australian Government to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation. The policy objective behind AD/PA-28/24, as with all Airworthiness Directives, is to mitigate safety risks and maintain the highest standards of airworthiness for aircraft operating in Australia. This directive aims to ensure that all affected aircraft meet stringent safety requirements, thereby protecting the lives of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, including the directive for Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes identified as AD/PA-28/24. This regulation applies to specific models of Piper PA-28 aeroplanes, namely the PA-28-180 with serial numbers ranging from 28-4378 to 28-5406, the PA-28-235 with serial numbers from 28-11040 to 28-11257, the PA-28R-180 with serial numbers from 28-30005 to 28-31095, and the PA-28R-200 with serial numbers from 28-35001 to 28-35265. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 23 July 1969. This regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft meet the specified airworthiness standards to ensure safety in civil aviation. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, thereby imposing a broad requirement on the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 and the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-28/24, require modifications to the control wheel retaining pins of certain Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to the models PA-28-180, PA-28-235, PA-28R-180, and PA-28R-200 within specific serial number ranges (sections 39 - 105 and AD/PA-28/24). The directive mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service following 23 July 1969, referencing Piper Service Bulletin No. 295. This means that owners and operators of these specific models must ensure the control wheel retaining pins are modified to meet the specified safety standards within the stipulated timeframe. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, the owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes must identify whether their aircraft fall within the serial number ranges mentioned. If they do, they are required to implement the modifications to the control wheel retaining pins as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 295. The modifications must be carried out by authorised personnel, ensuring compliance with all relevant safety standards and guidelines. Additionally, operators must maintain accurate records of compliance to demonstrate adherence to the Airworthiness Directive. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Offences related to non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can result in substantial penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can include fines up to a specified amount as determined by the court and, in more severe cases, imprisonment. The enforcement actions aim to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation system. The consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the specified directives to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the safety of all persons on board.