AD/PA-28/54 - Spin Prohibition Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. One specific legislative instrument within these regulations, F2006B05611, addresses the need for airworthiness directives concerning the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address potential safety concerns, particularly in relation to the spin prohibition placard on certain model aeroplanes. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft are operated safely and that any known safety issues are promptly addressed. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as part of its role in enforcing these regulations, issued this airworthiness directive to mandate the installation of a spin prohibition placard on Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, specifically model PA28-180 with serial numbers ranging from 28-7305001 to 28-7505079. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of in-flight spins by ensuring that pilots are clearly informed about the limitations and risks associated with such manoeuvres. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after 20 January 1975, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 436.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establishes the scope and application of Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) concerning specific aircraft types, such as the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/PA-28/54, pertains to the installation of a spin prohibition placard on model PA28-180 with serial numbers ranging from 28-7305001 to 28-7505079. The directive mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 20 January 1975, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 436. This legislation applies directly to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, ensuring that they meet specific safety standards set forth by CASA. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this directive is national, applying across all states and territories of Australia, as it is a Commonwealth regulation. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within this directive itself, but the application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, PART 39 - 105, specifically AD/PA-28/54, pertain to the installation of a Spin Prohibition Placard on Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, particularly the PA28-180 model with serial numbers ranging from 28-7305001 to 28-7505079. According to section 39.105, this requirement ensures that a specific placard is installed to prohibit certain flight manoeuvres that could result in a spin. Compliance with this directive (section 39.105(1)) must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service following 20 January 1975, as referenced in Piper SB No. 436. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, aircraft owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the Spin Prohibition Placard is installed as per the directive. This includes adhering to the specific timeframe mentioned, ensuring that the placard is visible and legible to all flight crew members. Additionally, the directive mandates that the compliance with the installation of the placard be documented, with records maintained for verification purposes by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). There are also civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance with the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. If an aircraft operator fails to adhere to the requirements of section 39.105, including the installation of the Spin Prohibition Placard within the specified timeframe, they may face regulatory action. This can include fines and penalties as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The maximum penalties can be substantial, reflecting the critical safety implications of non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Such non-compliance not only risks the safety of the flight but also the integrity of the aviation regulatory framework.