AD/PA-28/65 - Fuel Tank Vent - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were established to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. This legislative instrument addresses the need for comprehensive safety standards and operational requirements for all civil aviation activities. One of the key components of this legislation is Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically aimed at ensuring that aircraft meet required safety standards. This particular directive, AD/PA-28/65, was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the fuel tank vent system of Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers between 28-10001 and 28-7710040. The directive mandates that inspections and modifications be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977 to mitigate potential risks, thereby ensuring compliance with the overarching policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by AD/PA-28/65, applies specifically to Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes, more precisely, the model PA-28-235 with serial numbers ranging from 28-10001 to 28-7710040. These regulations are pertinent to the aviation industry, particularly to those involved in the operation and maintenance of the specified aircraft models. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is national, overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulations mandate that compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 31 July 1977. The directive outlines specific inspection and modification requirements for the fuel tank vent, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletins No. 342 and No. 571 Part C. There are no exclusions or exemptions stated within the text, implying that all specified aircraft within the given serial number range must adhere to the outlined safety directives. The application of these regulations may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically AD/PA-28/65, pertain to the fuel tank vent inspection and modification for Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes, particularly the model PA-28-235 with serial numbers ranging from 28-10001 to 28-7710040. This Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires that the specified aircraft undergo an inspection and necessary modifications to the fuel tank vent system within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletins No. 342 and No. 571, Part C. This legislation imposes clear obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure compliance with the AD. Operators must ensure that the specified aircraft are inspected and any required modifications to the fuel tank vent are completed within the stipulated timeframe. The regulations mandate that the inspection and modification must be carried out in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in the referenced Piper Service Bulletins. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, thereby preventing its operation until the necessary work is completed. Failure to comply with the AD/PA-28/65 may result in severe consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against non-compliant operators, which could include fines, penalties, or even grounding of the aircraft. The regulations do not specify maximum penalties, but they imply that the severity of the penalties would depend on the extent of the non-compliance and any resulting safety risks. Additionally, in the event that an aircraft is operated without the required modifications, it could lead to safety hazards, potentially resulting in accidents or incidents that could be subject to further legal and civil repercussions. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, AD/PA-28/65, mandates that specific Piper PA-28-235 aeroplanes undergo inspection and necessary modifications to their fuel tank vent systems within a defined timeframe. Operators are obligated to ensure compliance with the directives provided in the Piper Service Bulletins, and failure to adhere to these requirements can result in regulatory penalties and safety risks.