COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-28 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-28/92
Amdt 1
Landing Light Seal 3/99
Applicability: This Directive is applicable to the following aircraft models and serial numbers:
Model Serial Numbers
PA-28-140 28-20000 through 28-7725290 inclusive PA-28-150, PA-28-160 and PA-28-180 28-1 through 28-1760
Requirement: Replace the landing light support and seal assembly in accordance with Piper Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin 975 dated 2 November 1994.
Note: FAA AD 96-10-01 R1 Amdt 39-10862 refers.
Compliance: Unless previously accomplished; within 100 hours time in service from the effective date of this directive or at the next replacement of the landing light, whichever occurs first.
This Amendment becomes effective on 25 March 1999.
Background: This directive was originally issued to address four reports of the landing light retainer support seal breaking apart and entering the carburettor. The directive is intended to prevent the landing light retainer support seal from being ingested by the carburettor, which could result in rough engine operation or possible engine failure.
This amendment limits PA-28-150, 160 and 180 aircraft applicable to original and “B” models, which recognises that the landing light assembly of concern is only fitted to early model aircraft.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 18 July 1996.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft within Australian airspace. Among these regulations, AD/PA-28/92 Amendment 1 focuses on the Piper PA-28 series aeroplanes, addressing a critical safety issue identified with the landing light support and seal assembly. This legislative instrument was introduced to rectify the problem of landing light retainer support seals breaking apart and entering the carburettor, which could potentially lead to rough engine operation or engine failure. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and its policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by preventing such incidents.
The amendment, which became effective on 25 March 1999, mandates the replacement of the landing light support and seal assembly in accordance with Piper Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin 975 dated 2 November 1994. Compliance is required either within 100 hours of the directive's effective date or at the next replacement of the landing light, whichever comes first. This requirement aims to ensure that the identified safety issue is promptly addressed, thereby maintaining the integrity and safety of the aircraft's operation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, applies to the Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes, covering models PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, and PA-28-180 within specified serial number ranges. This regulation mandates compliance with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-28/92 Amendment 1 concerning the replacement of the landing light support and seal assembly. This requirement is crucial to prevent potential engine failure due to the landing light retainer support seal being ingested into the carburettor, which could cause rough engine operation or engine failure. Compliance with this directive is necessary for aircraft within the defined serial numbers, either within 100 hours from the effective date of the directive or at the next replacement of the landing light, whichever comes first. The directive's amendment, effective from 25 March 1999, recognises that the landing light assembly in question is only fitted to early model aircraft, specifically excluding later models such as the “B” models of PA-28-150, 160, and 180.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, under the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains provisions related to the airworthiness of Piper PA-28 Series aeroplanes. This directive (AD/PA-28/92 Amendment 1) applies to certain models and serial numbers of Piper PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-160, and PA-28-180 aircraft. The requirement of this directive is to replace the landing light support and seal assembly as detailed in Piper Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin 975 dated 2 November 1994. Compliance with this directive is mandatory unless the action has already been taken. Aircraft owners or operators must ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service from the effective date of this directive, or at the next replacement of the landing light, whichever comes first.
The primary obligation of this directive is to enhance the safety of the aircraft by preventing the landing light retainer support seal from breaking apart and entering the carburettor. This issue has been reported in four instances, potentially causing rough engine operation or engine failure. The directive specifically limits its applicability to early model aircraft, excluding newer models from the requirement. The directive was originally issued on 18 July 1996, and this amendment, which became effective on 25 March 1999, narrows the scope of applicability to certain models and serial numbers.
Breaching the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious safety concerns and potential regulatory consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives, which can include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The specific penalties and enforcement actions are detailed in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations, which may also include administrative actions such as issuing compliance orders or suspension of airworthiness certificates. It is crucial for aircraft operators to adhere to these directives to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of their aircraft.