AD/PA-28/60 - Carburettor Air Filter Box - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate the safe operation of civil aviation within Australia. The regulations encompass various aspects of aviation safety, including airworthiness, licensing, and operational standards. Part 39 of these regulations, specifically addressing Airworthiness Directives (ADs), aims to ensure that aircraft are maintained in a safe condition through the implementation of mandatory safety instructions. The AD/PA-28/60, which pertains to Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, was introduced to address specific safety issues identified with the model's design and operation. This particular directive, applicable to the Piper PA-28-151 with specific serial numbers, mandates modifications to the carburettor air filter box to mitigate risks associated with engine performance and safety. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety and to ensure that all aircraft are operated in a manner that protects the public and enhances the overall safety of the Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-28/60 applies specifically to Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, particularly those within the model PA-28-151 and falling within the serial number ranges 28-7415001 to 28-7715278 and 28-7715289. This directive mandates a modification to the carburettor air filter box for these aircraft to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive applies to any individual or entity operating these specific aircraft models and serial numbers, encompassing both private and commercial aviation within the Commonwealth of Australia. The requirement to implement the specified modification must be fulfilled within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 March 1977. This directive is integral to the enforcement of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as stipulated in Part 39 - 105 of the legislative instrument, and it extends across the national jurisdiction under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions to this directive; all affected aircraft must comply with the specified modifications without deviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which include AD/PA-28/60 concerning Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes. The directive mandates a modification to the carburettor air filter box for model PA-28-151 with serial numbers ranging from 28-7415001 to 28-7715278 and 28-7715289. Compliance with this directive requires that the specified modification be completed within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 31 March 1977. The compliance documentation can be either Piper Service Bulletin No. 536 or FAA Airworthiness Directive 77-01-03. Under these regulations, the primary obligations fall on the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They must ensure that the required modification to the carburettor air filter box is carried out within the stipulated timeframe. The directive is clear that this modification must be performed by authorised personnel and that the aircraft cannot be operated beyond the 100-hour limit without the necessary modifications being completed. It is imperative that records of compliance are kept and made available for inspection by CASA officials. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-28/60 can lead to serious consequences. Operationally, an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness standards set by CASA cannot be legally flown until the required modifications are completed. In terms of legal penalties, CASA has the authority to issue fines and take enforcement actions against operators who do not adhere to the directive. The specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt provided, but typically, such violations could result in significant fines and potential grounding of the non-compliant aircraft. Therefore, it is crucial for all parties involved to ensure strict adherence to the directive to avoid any legal repercussions.