COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-28/66 Fuel Selector Control System - Modification 7/77
Applicability: Model PA-28-235 with S/Nos. 28-10001 to 28-7310125. Document: Piper SB No. 376.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 July 1977.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Among the various parts of these regulations, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives, which are critical in maintaining the safety standards of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-28/66, pertains to the fuel selector control system of Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, specifically model PA-28-235 with serial numbers ranging from 28-10001 to 28-7310125. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns related to the fuel selector control system, ensuring that these aircraft continue to operate within safe parameters. The policy objective behind such directives is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations by mandating specific modifications or inspections, thereby protecting the lives of passengers and crew, as well as preserving the integrity of the aviation infrastructure.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, mandates airworthiness directives for aircraft operated within Australia, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of civilian aircraft. Under this framework, Airworthiness Directive (AD) PA-28/66 applies to a defined subset of Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, specifically those identified as model PA-28-235 with serial numbers ranging from 28-10001 to 28-73101. This directive is imperative for the aircraft within this specified serial number range, requiring compliance with the modifications outlined to ensure the fuel selector control system's functionality and safety. The directive applies to all operators of these aircraft, mandating that the required modifications be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 376. These regulations are enforced across the Commonwealth, encompassing all states and territories, to maintain uniform standards and ensure public safety in civil aviation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which governs the safety standards for aircraft operating in Australia. The relevant directive, AD/PA-28/66, pertains to Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers 28-10001 to 28-7310125. This directive mandates modifications to the fuel selector control system. Compliance is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 376.
Under this directive, operators and owners of the specified Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes must ensure the fuel selector control system is modified as per the requirements of AD/PA-28/66. This involves adhering to the specifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 376, which includes the necessary technical changes to the fuel selector system to enhance safety. Failure to comply with these modifications could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, thereby prohibiting its operation.
Failure to comply with the AD/PA-28/66 directive may result in serious consequences. Operators and owners who do not adhere to the required modifications within the stipulated timeframe risk facing regulatory action from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This can include fines, enforcement actions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. The severity of the penalties may vary based on the extent of non-compliance and the potential risk posed to flight safety.
The potential civil penalties for non-compliance with this directive include significant fines. According to the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the maximum penalty for contravening an airworthiness directive can be substantial, reflecting the importance of adhering to these safety standards. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply in cases of gross negligence or deliberate non-compliance, with potential imprisonment for responsible individuals. These stringent measures underscore the critical nature of ensuring aircraft meet the required safety standards to protect both the operators and the general public.