COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-28/4
Amdt 5
Control Wheel - Inspection 11/78
Applicability: All models PA-28 fitted with plastic control wheels as shown in Piper SL No. 527D. Requirement: Inspection:
Remove the Piper medallion from the face of the control wheel (if applicable). Inspect the control wheel hub for cracks, which may propagate from the edge or bore of the retaining pin hole, using the method detailed below. If cracks are found the control wheel shall be replaced before further flight.
Inspection Method:
- Clean the hub with an ordinary detergent and water.
Note: Do not use solvents as these may contain detrimental substances such as acetone.
2. Using an inspection light and at least a 3X magnifying glass, inspect the surface area covered by a band of at least 1/2" width from the top to the bottom of the pin on the front and rear faces of the hub and a similar band across the lower face of the hub.
Note 1: Cracks will show up as black lines under the inspection light. If a line is only a scratch the bottom of the scratch will be visible.
Note 2: The control wheel medallion may be refitted with a regular contact cement - DO NOT use an acetate type adhesive or any other type of plastic cement.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, within 25 hours time in service after 3 October 1978 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until replaced in accordance with Piper SL 527D.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, establish a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislation was introduced to address the need for stringent safety standards and procedures to be applied uniformly across the aviation industry. Among its various provisions, Part 39 - 105 specifically focuses on airworthiness directives, ensuring that all aircraft meet specific safety standards. One such directive, AD/PA-28/4 Amendment 5, pertains to the inspection of control wheels in Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes. This amendment was introduced to address safety concerns related to the potential for cracks in the control wheel hubs, which could compromise the integrity of the control mechanism. The directive mandates regular inspections to detect and mitigate these risks, ensuring the continued safety of flights involving these aircraft.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 pertaining to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes the AD/PA-28/4 Amendment 5, which mandates a specific inspection procedure for Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes equipped with plastic control wheels as referenced in Piper Service Letter No. 527D. This directive applies to all models within the PA-28 series that feature the specified type of control wheel. The requirement necessitates the inspection of the control wheel hub for any cracks that may originate from the edge or bore of the retaining pin hole. This inspection must be conducted meticulously using a prescribed method, and any detected cracks must be addressed by replacing the control wheel before any further flight operations can occur. Compliance with this airworthiness directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 25 hours of service after 3 October 1978 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the control wheel is replaced according to Piper Service Letter 527D. This directive ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, require an inspection of the control wheel hub for cracks in Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes fitted with plastic control wheels (section 1). The inspection method involves cleaning the hub with detergent and water, and using an inspection light with a magnifying glass to check for cracks (section 2). If any cracks are found, the control wheel must be replaced before any further flight. The compliance requirement mandates that this inspection be performed within 25 hours of service after 3 October 1978, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the control wheel is replaced in accordance with Piper Service Letter 527D.
The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties involved primarily focus on the maintenance and safety of the aircraft. Operators of Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection is conducted as outlined in the regulations. This includes adhering to the detailed inspection method to effectively identify any potential issues with the control wheel hub. Furthermore, operators must ensure that the control wheel is replaced if any cracks are detected, thereby maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.
Breaches of the requirements set out in this legislation can lead to serious consequences. If an operator fails to comply with the inspection and replacement requirements, it could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. This, in turn, can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In terms of penalties, while specific maximum penalties are not stated in the excerpt, non-compliance with aviation safety directives can result in substantial fines, enforcement actions, and potential grounding of the aircraft. Such actions are taken to ensure that the highest safety standards are maintained in the aviation industry.