AD/PA-28/32 - Pitch Trim Switch - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, aim to ensure the safe operation of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs), addresses the need to maintain and modify aircraft to ensure ongoing airworthiness. One such directive, AD/PA-28/32, pertains to the modification of the pitch trim switch on Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes to enhance safety by preventing potential malfunctions that could lead to hazardous flight conditions. This directive was introduced to address a known issue with the rocker type trim switch fitted to the pilot’s control wheel in certain models of Piper PA-28 aeroplanes, requiring compliance within 200 hours of time in service after 30 July 1971. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operation by mandating specific modifications to maintain safety standards as determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the safety directives for airworthiness concerning certain Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to specific models and serial numbers of Piper PA-28-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, and PA-28-235 aeroplanes that are equipped with a rocker type trim switch on the pilot’s control wheel. The requirement to comply with these airworthiness directives is contingent upon the aeroplanes reaching 200 hours of time in service following the directive's effective date of 30 July 1971. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, administered under the Commonwealth of Australia by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the directive itself, though the applicability is strictly defined by the serial numbers of the affected aeroplanes. Compliance with these directives is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of these specific aircraft models, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, identified as AD/PA-28/32. This directive addresses the modification of the pitch trim switch on certain models of the Piper PA-28 series, including PA-28-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, and PA-28-235, with specific serial numbers. The directive mandates that these aircraft, equipped with a rocker type trim switch on the pilot’s control wheel, must comply with the specified modifications to ensure airworthiness. Compliance is required within 200 hours of time in service after 30 July 1971. Operators of the affected Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes are required to ensure that the modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 332 are implemented. These modifications are intended to address potential safety concerns associated with the pitch trim switch. The directive applies to a specific range of serial numbers for each model, necessitating that each aircraft within these ranges must undergo the necessary changes to meet the regulatory standards. Operators must adhere to these requirements to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft and ensure compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s regulations. Failure to comply with the AD/PA-28/32 could result in serious safety implications, including potential in-flight issues that could compromise the aircraft's control and safety. The regulations stipulate that non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with ADs generally can result in substantial civil and criminal penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Operators are thus under a significant obligation to ensure that all specified modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any legal repercussions or safety risks. In summary, the AD/PA-28/32 is a critical safety directive for specific models of Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. It mandates modifications to the pitch trim switch to ensure airworthiness. Operators of these aircraft must comply with the directive within 200 hours of time in service after 30 July 1971. Failure to adhere to this directive could result in serious safety issues and enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including potential fines and aircraft grounding. Operators must ensure their aircraft meet these regulatory requirements to maintain safe and compliant operations.