AD/PA-28/67 - Electric Pitch Trim Switch - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australian airspace. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), provides a comprehensive framework to address potential safety issues in aviation operations. One such issue addressed by these regulations is the need for airworthiness directives, which are specific to certain aircraft models and their components. For instance, AD/PA-28/67 pertains to the modification of the electric pitch trim switch in specific Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes to ensure continued compliance with safety standards. This directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the issuance date, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 556. The overarching policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation operations through the timely implementation of necessary modifications and adherence to specified standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes, including models PA28-180, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, and PA-28-235, that fall within certain serial number ranges. This regulation mandates modifications to the electric pitch trim switch to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive applies to aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, thereby identifying particular aircraft that must comply with the outlined modifications to meet safety standards. The regulation's geographic and jurisdictional reach is national, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia, and CASA enforces compliance across the entire country. The directive does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the identified serial numbers and applies uniformly to all affected aircraft within the specified models and serial numbers. Compliance with the directive is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1977, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 556.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Part 39 - 105) contain a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) that mandates the modification of the electric pitch trim switch for certain Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to model PA28-180 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 28-4378 to 28-5858 and 28-7105001 to 28-7105122; PA-28R-180 with S/Nos. 28R-30005 to 28R-31270 and 28R-7130001 to 28R-7130005; PA-28R-200 with S/Nos. 28R-35001 to 28R-35820 and 28R-7135001 to 28R-7135102; and PA-28-235 with S/Nos. 28-11040 to 28-11378 and 28-7110001 to 28-7110011. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 556 and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1977. The primary obligation imposed by this AD is that owners or operators of the specified Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes must ensure the electric pitch trim switch is modified as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 556. This modification is necessary to address identified safety concerns related to the operation of the pitch trim system. Failure to comply with this directive within the specified timeframe can result in the aeroplane being deemed non-airworthy, which would prevent it from operating until the required modifications are made. Failure to adhere to the requirements set out in this AD may result in significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement action against non-compliance. This could include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory measures. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but it is clear that compliance is mandatory to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft. In summary, the AD mandates specific modifications to the electric pitch trim switch for certain Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes to address safety concerns. Owners and operators must ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the specified date. Non-compliance can lead to severe regulatory consequences, including fines and suspension of airworthiness certificates. Ensuring adherence to these requirements is crucial for maintaining the safety and operational status of the affected aircraft.