AD/PA-28/31 - Seat Frame - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive regulatory framework governing various aspects of civil aviation within the country. One specific area addressed by these regulations is the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft, with Part 39 focusing on safety directives. The enactment of these regulations aimed to ensure that all aircraft operating in Australia meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from potential hazards. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B05591, targets Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing issues related to seat frame modifications for certain models to enhance safety and compliance with airworthiness standards. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with seat frame failures, ensuring the structural integrity of the aircraft and the safety of its occupants.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the modification of seat frames in certain Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes. This directive targets specific models of the PA-28 series with vertically adjustable pilot and co-pilot seats, namely the PA-28-140, PA-28-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, and PA-28-235, all within defined serial number ranges. The geographic reach of this regulation is nationwide, applicable across all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 May 1971, ensuring that the specified aircraft models adhere to the safety standards outlined in Piper SB No. 337. There are no exclusions or exemptions mentioned within this directive, and compliance is strictly enforced to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, pertain to Airworthiness Directives (AD) for Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, with AD/PA-28/31 focusing on the modification of the seat frame. This directive applies to all models of Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes that have vertically adjustable pilot and/or co-pilot seat installations, as outlined in the applicability section. These models include the PA-28-140, PA-28-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, and PA-28-235 with specific serial number ranges (sections 39.105.005 and 39.105.010). Compliance with this directive is mandated within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971, as referenced in the compliance section (section 39.105.015). The obligations imposed by this legislation are primarily on aircraft owners and operators who possess or operate the specified Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. They must ensure that the seat frame modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 337 are implemented within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which would prevent it from being operated until the necessary modifications are made (section 39.105.020). The Act imposes serious consequences for non-compliance with the Airworthiness Directives. Any breach of the requirements could lead to civil or criminal penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, offences can include fines and imprisonment, with the exact penalties varying based on the severity of the breach. For example, failure to comply with an Airworthiness Directive can result in fines of up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals, as well as imprisonment for up to five years (sections 39.105.030 and 39.105.035). Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can issue enforcement actions, which may include grounding the aircraft or imposing operational restrictions until compliance is achieved.