AD/PA-28/59 - Fuel Selector Valve - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One pertinent section, AD/PA-28/59, pertains to the inspection and replacement of fuel selector valves on Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers between 28-10001 and 28-761057. This legislation was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the fuel selector valve in the specified aircraft models, ensuring that these aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The policy objective is to mitigate risks related to fuel system failures, which could lead to in-flight emergencies. The regulations mandate compliance with industry standards set forth by Piper and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requiring inspections and necessary replacements within a specified timeframe to ensure continued airworthiness.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/PA-28/59, pertains to the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, more precisely to model PA-28-235 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 28-10001 to 28-761057 that are equipped with an airborne fuel valve part number 1-H65-2 (Piper P/N 492-259) as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 444. This directive applies to any entity or individual that owns, operates, or maintains these specific aeroplanes. The geographical scope of this legislation is nationwide, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Compliance with the directive is mandatory for the specified aircraft, with the requirement that the inspection and replacement of the fuel selector valve be completed within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service following 31 December 1976. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 519A or FAA AD 76-18-04, Amendment 39-2709, as the documents that outline the necessary compliance actions. There are no exclusions or exemptions stated within the text of this particular airworthiness directive, and the regulation's application is not extended or restricted through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates particular safety directives for certain aircraft models. In this instance, Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-28/59 pertains to the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the fuel selector valve (sections 12/76). This directive applies to model PA-28-235 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 28-10001 to 28-761057, which are equipped with a specific airborne fuel valve (P/N 1-H65-2, Piper P/N 492-259), as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 444. Compliance with this directive necessitates the use of either Piper SB No. 519A or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 76-18-04, Amendment 39-2709. The directive requires that inspections and necessary replacements of the fuel selector valve be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1976. Under these regulations, the primary obligation for aircraft operators and owners is to ensure that the specified fuel selector valve inspections and replacements are carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This involves verifying that the aircraft model and serial numbers align with the directive's applicability and that the appropriate documentation, either Piper SB No. 519A or FAA AD 76-18-04, Amendment 39-2709, is utilised. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding until the necessary actions are taken. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose stringent consequences for non-compliance with the specified airworthiness directives. Any breach of these requirements could result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and the possibility of the aircraft being grounded or restricted from operation until the required maintenance actions are completed. Additionally, from a criminal perspective, individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft could face prosecution, resulting in substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined by the severity of the breach and the regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety at the time of the offence.