AD/PA-28/46 - Wing Reinforcement - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to regulate the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 focuses on airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models, including the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. This part of the legislation was introduced to ensure that certain modifications are made to enhance the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-28/46, pertains to wing reinforcement for the model PA-28-151, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1974. This modification, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 424 (Kit No. 760878V), aims to remove the weight restriction previously mandated by AD/PA-28/45, thereby improving the structural integrity of the aircraft. The overarching policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address airworthiness directives for certain aircraft, such as the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. This particular legislation, identified as AD/PA-28/46, applies to the model PA-28-151 and mandates a wing reinforcement modification as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 424 (Kit No. 760878V). This directive is critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the specified aircraft and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1974. It is noteworthy that the implementation of this modification will also remove the weight restriction previously stipulated in AD/PA-28/45. The application of these regulations is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring adherence to safety standards across the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that pertain to the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/PA-28/46, addresses wing reinforcement modifications for the Model PA-28-151. This directive requires compliance with Piper SB No. 424, which includes Kit No. 760878V, and mandates that the modification be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1974. Upon incorporation of this modification, the weight restriction specified in AD/PA-28/45 is to be removed. The obligations under this directive are clear: any entity operating a PA-28-151 model must ensure that the specified wing reinforcement modifications are implemented within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aircraft being deemed non-compliant and potentially unsafe for operation. This places a responsibility on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to be aware of and adhere to the requirements set out in AD/PA-28/46. Breaching the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against any non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of airworthiness directives generally attract substantial fines and potential grounding of the non-compliant aircraft. The exact penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure strict adherence to safety standards to protect the public and ensure the safe operation of aircraft. In summary, AD/PA-28/46 is a critical directive for the operation of the PA-28-151 model aeroplanes, requiring specific modifications to the aircraft's wings. Operators must ensure compliance within 100 hours after 31 July 1974 to avoid penalties and ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft. Failure to comply with this directive could lead to severe consequences, including financial penalties and potential legal action by CASA.