AD/PA-28/7 Amdt 1 - Magneto Radio Interference Filters - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive legal framework governing civil aviation within the country. One of the amendments to these regulations is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to the Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing magneto radio interference filters. The AD/PA-28/7 Amendment 1, issued on 12 June 1969, was introduced to mitigate the risk of magneto radio interference, ensuring the continued airworthiness of specified Piper PA-28 aircraft models. This legislative instrument mandates the installation of insulating boots on the terminals of magneto switch filters P/N 460634 to prevent potential interference issues, with compliance required before 23 December 1969. Aircraft that have already been modified in line with previous requirements are exempt from further action. The objective of this directive is to maintain the safety and operational standards of the affected aircraft models within the Australian civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, which includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the safety standards applicable to civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, AD/PA-28/7 Amendment 1 pertains to the modification of magneto radio interference filters for the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, detailing the installation of insulating boots on the terminals of magneto switch filters P/N 460634. This directive applies to certain serial numbers of specific models within the Piper PA-28 Series, including the PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, and PA-28-235. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is national, applying across all states and territories within Australia, as they are a Commonwealth Act. The directive sets a compliance deadline of before 23 December 1969, and any aircraft that have already undergone the required modifications do not need further action. The application of this Act is not restricted by subordinate instruments beyond the specific serial numbers and models mentioned.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, contain provisions regarding the airworthiness directives for certain Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/PA-28/7 Amendment 1, pertains to magneto radio interference filters. This amendment requires the installation of insulating boots on the terminals of magneto switch filters, part number 460634, for certain models of the Piper PA-28 Series (Section 12/69). The directive applies to specific serial numbers of the PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, and PA-28-235 models, as listed in the applicability section of the directive. The obligations under this directive mandate that the specified aircraft must have the insulating boots installed on the magneto switch filters before a specified compliance date, which is 23 December 1969. This requirement ensures that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to prevent radio interference issues. It is also noted that aircraft that have already been modified according to an earlier version of this requirement do not need to take further action, providing a measure of relief for operators who have already complied with prior directives. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties for non-compliance may include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft, which can lead to operational disruptions and safety risks. In severe cases, persistent non-compliance could result in more severe penalties, including criminal charges if the non-compliance is deemed to have caused or contributed to an aviation incident or accident. The regulations do not specify maximum penalties within the directive itself, but penalties for breaches of civil aviation regulations can vary. They typically depend on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance. Fines can range from several thousand Australian dollars for minor infractions to significantly higher amounts for more serious breaches that result in safety risks or actual incidents. In cases where non-compliance leads to accidents or incidents, the penalties can include substantial financial penalties, as well as potential imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight or management of the aircraft. In summary, the airworthiness directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 for the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes mandates specific modifications to the magneto switch filters to ensure compliance with safety standards. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that these modifications are completed by the specified deadline. Failure to comply can result in enforcement actions, including fines, operational restrictions, and in severe cases, criminal charges.