AD/PA-28/9 - Battery Lead Attachment - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which addresses safety concerns in aviation operations. This particular directive, AD/PA-28/9, was introduced to tackle the issue of potential chafing of the main electrical power supply cable in Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes where the battery is positioned aft of the luggage locker. This problem was identified as a safety risk that could potentially lead to electrical failures and compromise the safety of the aircraft. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the objective of this legislation is to ensure that all specified models of Piper PA-28 aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards by inspecting and, if required, modifying the installation of the main electrical power supply cable. This directive was implemented to mandate a comprehensive inspection of the cable's installation to confirm that it is not at risk of being damaged by the stabilator control cables. Additionally, the directive requires the installation of an extra "P" clip to further secure the cable and prevent any chafing. The compliance deadline for these requirements was set for 30 December 1966, ensuring that all affected aircraft are modified to adhere to the stipulated safety standards. This legislation underscores the commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintaining the highest safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines Airworthiness Directives (AD) that apply to aircraft registered within Australia and operated under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). AD/PA-28/9 pertains to Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes, focusing on safety concerns related to the battery lead attachment. This directive applies to all models of Piper PA-28 aeroplanes where the battery is positioned aft of the luggage locker and the main electrical power supply cable is routed above the stabilator control cables. The requirement is to inspect and, if necessary, modify the installation to ensure the main electrical power supply cable is not at risk of being chafed by the stabilator cables, and to install an additional “P” clip midway between the existing clips. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved by 30 December 1966. The scope of the Act is explicitly focused on maintaining airworthiness standards for this specific series of aircraft, ensuring that all relevant operators and maintenance personnel adhere to the outlined safety measures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically addresses the safety directives for the Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes through AD/PA-28/9 (section 39-105). This directive pertains to the inspection and modification of the battery lead attachment to ensure safety. The directive applies to all Piper PA-28 models where the battery is mounted aft of the luggage locker and the main electrical power supply cable is routed above the stabilator control cables (section 39-105.1). The main requirements outlined in the directive include inspecting the installation of the main electrical power supply cable to confirm it is not at risk of being chafed by the stabilator cables (section 39-105.2). Additionally, an extra “P” clip P/N AS755-8-2-6 must be installed midway between the existing two PVC “P” clips, approximately 1 1/2 inches on the port side of the stabilator cable (section 39-105.3). Compliance with these directives must be achieved by 30 December 1966 (section 39-105.4). The obligations imposed by these regulations on the parties or entities governed include ensuring that the specified inspections and modifications are performed meticulously and in accordance with the provided timeline. Operators and maintenance personnel must conduct the necessary inspections and, if required, implement the modifications to the battery lead attachment to prevent any risk of cable chafing. Failure to comply with these directives may lead to serious safety concerns and potential regulatory consequences. Failure to adhere to the requirements set forth in AD/PA-28/9 may result in serious safety implications, given the potential for electrical faults due to cable chafing. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify maximum penalties within this directive; however, non-compliance with aviation safety directives generally can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, the grounding of the aircraft, or other regulatory sanctions to ensure the continued safety of flight operations.