AD/PA-28/55 - Fuel Valve - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a critical part of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation within the country. This comprehensive set of rules aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations. One of the specific instruments within this Act is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/PA-28/55), introduced to address safety concerns associated with certain Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. This directive specifically targets model PA-28-235 with serial numbers ranging from 28-7410094 to 28-7510016, mandating the replacement of the fuel valve to prevent potential safety issues. The objective of this directive is to enhance the airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by ensuring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1975.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, and directly applies to Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. The regulation in question, AD/PA-28/55, mandates the replacement of the fuel valve on model PA-28-235 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 28-7410094 to 28-7510016. This directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1975, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 444. The regulation is geographically applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and applies to both operators and owners of the specified aircraft models. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and is enforced through the issuance of airworthiness directives, which can extend or restrict the application through subordinate instruments if necessary.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 – 105, as they pertain to the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, are contained in the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-28/55. This directive specifically addresses the replacement of the fuel valve on model PA-28-235 with serial numbers ranging from 28-7410094 to 28-7510016. According to section 3/75, the directive applies to aircraft that have accumulated 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1975. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be evidenced by following the guidelines outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 444. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations, particularly AD/PA-28/55, mandate that the specified models of the Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes must have their fuel valves replaced as per the stipulated conditions. Aircraft operators or owners must ensure that this replacement is carried out within the specified timeframe of 100 hours of service post-March 1975 to maintain compliance with the airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to operational restrictions or prohibitions. Breach of the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations, specifically those related to the fuel valve replacement in AD/PA-28/55, can lead to several consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed on aircraft operators or owners who fail to comply with the directive. These penalties can include fines and other administrative actions as deemed appropriate by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Furthermore, continued operation of an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness standards could result in criminal charges, with potential penalties including imprisonment, especially if non-compliance leads to safety incidents or accidents. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the regulations.