AD/PA-28/72 - Fuel Gascolator - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B05629, was enacted to address specific safety concerns in civil aviation, particularly focusing on maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. This legislative instrument targets the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes and mandates the inspection of the fuel gascolator to ensure that these aircraft continue to meet safety standards. The regulations were introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, with the objective of enhancing safety through the enforcement of airworthiness directives. The policy objective is to ensure that aircraft maintain operational integrity, thereby reducing the risk of accidents due to mechanical failure. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, establish specific requirements for the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, including models PA-28-161, PA-28R-201T, and PA-28R-201 within certain serial number ranges. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with inspections of the fuel gascolator required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979. This legislative action aims to maintain the highest safety standards in Australian civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent potential safety hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/PA-28/72, pertains to Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, including the PA-28-161, PA-28R-201T, and PA-28R-201 models within specified serial number ranges. This legislation mandates an inspection of the fuel gascolator for these aircraft models, ensuring compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 612 within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979. The directive is applicable to these particular models, and its geographic reach is governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which apply nationally across Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions detailed in this specific airworthiness directive, and it directly applies to the mentioned serial numbers without extension or restriction through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically within the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, outlines key provisions for maintaining the airworthiness of certain aircraft models. The directive in question, AD/PA-28/72, pertains to the fuel gascolator inspection for specific Piper PA-28 series models. These include the PA-28-161 models with serial numbers ranging from 28-7816002 to 28-7816643, PA-28R-201T models with serial numbers from 28R-7803002 to 28R-7803325, and PA-28R-201 models with serial numbers from 28R-7837002 to 28R-7837275 (section 39-105). The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 612 for compliance details. Compliance with AD/PA-28/72 requires that an inspection of the fuel gascolator be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979. This directive is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of the specified aircraft by preventing potential issues related to fuel contamination or blockage in the gascolator. The requirement for this inspection is an essential part of maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft models, which falls under the regulatory oversight of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Entities and individuals responsible for the operation of the specified Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes must adhere to the inspection requirements outlined in AD/PA-28/72. This includes ensuring that the inspection is performed by a certified individual and that any identified issues are rectified in accordance with the guidance provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 612. Failure to comply with this directive may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially leading to grounding until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/PA-28/72 may result in significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulate that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. This may include fines, penalties, or other administrative actions against the operator of the aircraft. In severe cases, non-compliance could result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, which would prevent the aircraft from being operated until the required compliance is achieved. The specific penalties and consequences are governed by the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related regulations, which outline the enforcement mechanisms available to CASA to ensure adherence to airworthiness standards.