AD/PA-28/85 - Battery Strap Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the critical issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation aims to maintain stringent safety standards in civil aviation. The policy objective is to prevent incidents where the battery becomes dislodged from the battery box due to overloads, particularly in severe turbulence or during a crash sequence, as reported by the manufacturer. The requirement for compliance is set out in Piper Service Bulletin No. 804, mandating that the battery strap installation must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1985 or at the next scheduled inspection, whichever is later, to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines and regulatory directives to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation. The enactment of these regulations by the Commonwealth of Australia reflects a commitment to addressing specific safety concerns identified by aircraft manufacturers and ensuring the reliability and safety of aircraft operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety directives concerning Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes, including models PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-201T, PA-28-235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, and PA-28RT-201T, with serial numbers as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 804. This regulation applies to these specified aircraft models to ensure they meet the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The primary concern addressed by this directive is the potential for the battery to become dislodged from the battery box due to overloads in severe turbulence or during a crash sequence. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring adherence to Piper SB No. 804 within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1985 or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release issue after the same date, whichever is later. This regulation ensures that all applicable aircraft are modified to prevent the aforementioned safety issue, thereby maintaining the integrity and safety of air travel.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses airworthiness directives for various aircraft, including the Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes. The relevant airworthiness directive here is AD/PA-28/85, which pertains to the battery strap installation. This directive applies to all models PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-201T, PA-28-235, PA-28-236, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201T, and specifically to those with serial numbers listed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 804. According to the directive, compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1985, or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release issue following that date, whichever is later. Under this directive, operators and owners of the specified Piper PA-28 series aircraft are obligated to install the battery strap as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 804. This requirement is designed to prevent the battery from becoming dislodged from the battery box due to overloads, which can occur during severe turbulence or in a crash sequence. By installing the battery strap as specified, operators can mitigate the risk of such incidents, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/PA-28/85 can result in serious consequences. While the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed in the excerpt provided, non-compliance with airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can typically lead to severe repercussions. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges for operators or individuals responsible for ensuring compliance. It is crucial for all relevant parties to adhere to these directives to avoid such adverse outcomes and to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation.