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-28/45 Gross Weight - Reduction 6/74
Applicability: Model PA-28-151 not incorporating Piper Kit No. 760878V.
Requirement: Unless modified in accordance with Piper SB No. 424 or a scheme approved by the Secretary the following maximum gross weights apply:
- Normal Category - 2150 lbs.
2. Utility Category - 1825 lbs. Compliance: Before further flight.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05603, address the need for ensuring the airworthiness of specific aircraft models, particularly the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. This regulation was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The key policy objective is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by setting specific airworthiness directives. In this instance, the regulation imposes a gross weight reduction on the Piper PA-28-151 model aeroplanes, particularly those not incorporating Piper Kit No. 760878V, to ensure compliance with safety standards. This was introduced to address potential safety risks associated with the aircraft's weight, thereby contributing to the overall safety framework of Australian civil aviation.
This legislative instrument requires compliance with specified maximum gross weights for the Piper PA-28-151 model aeroplanes before further flight, unless the aircraft has been modified in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 424 or a scheme approved by the Secretary. The regulation mandates a maximum gross weight of 2150 lbs for the Normal Category and 1825 lbs for the Utility Category. This directive aims to ensure that the aircraft operates within safe weight limits, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with overloading and enhancing overall flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety requirements for the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, particularly model PA-28-151 not incorporating Piper Kit No. 760878V, through Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-28/45. This regulation applies to the specified aircraft model and governs the maximum gross weights that must be adhered to, ensuring safety and compliance with civil aviation standards. The requirement stipulates that unless the aircraft is modified in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 424 or a scheme approved by the Secretary, the normal category maximum gross weight must not exceed 2150 lbs, and the utility category maximum gross weight must not exceed 1825 lbs. These weight limitations must be observed before any further flight operations are conducted. The directive applies nationwide across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard of airworthiness for this specific aircraft model.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contain provisions pertinent to the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/PA-28/45. This directive focuses on reducing the gross weight of the Model PA-28-151 that does not incorporate Piper Kit No. 760878V (Section 6/74). The key requirement of this directive is that unless the aircraft is modified in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 424 or a scheme approved by the Secretary, specific maximum gross weights must be observed. These are 2150 lbs for the Normal Category and 1825 lbs for the Utility Category (Section 6/74). Compliance with these weight restrictions is mandatory before the aircraft undertakes any further flight (Section 6/74).
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are quite clear. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the gross weight of their aircraft adheres to the stipulated limits unless they have applied the modifications outlined in Piper SB No. 424 or have received approval for an alternative scheme from the Secretary. This necessitates careful record-keeping and potentially engaging with authorised modification providers to ensure that the aircraft complies with the weight restrictions before any further flight. Owners and operators must also ensure that all personnel involved in the operation of the aircraft are aware of these requirements and understand their obligations under the regulations.
Failure to comply with the weight restrictions stipulated in AD/PA-28/45 could result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can lead to civil penalties, including fines. The severity of the penalty may depend on the extent of non-compliance and any resultant safety risks. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet the specified airworthiness standards can lead to criminal charges. In cases of serious non-compliance, individuals or entities could face substantial fines or imprisonment. The exact penalties are detailed in the broader regulatory framework, but the potential for significant civil and criminal repercussions underscores the importance of adhering to these directives.