AD/PA-30/11 Amdt 1 - Alternator Field Fuse - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B05653, address specific safety concerns related to the Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Australian Parliament, targets issues associated with the electrical systems of these aircraft models. It was enacted to enhance safety by mandating specific modifications to the alternator field fuse installation, ensuring that a 3 amp fuse must be installed in each field circuit between the “F” field terminal on the alternator and the field relay. Additionally, it requires a functional check of the alternator system and the adjustment of voltage regulators in accordance with the manufacturer’s service manual. The policy objective is to mitigate risks related to electrical failures, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft and protecting passenger safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-30/11, Amendment 1, pertains specifically to the installation of a 3 amp fuse in each field circuit between the "F" field terminal on the alternator and the field relay for Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) Series aeroplanes equipped with a voltage regulator selector switch. This directive applies to all aircraft models falling under the specified series and is designed to ensure safety by mitigating potential risks associated with the electrical system of these aeroplanes. The requirement to install these fuses is imperative to maintain the integrity of the electrical system, and the functional checks of the alternator system and voltage regulators must be performed as per the manufacturer's service manual. Compliance with this directive is mandated forthwith, meaning that it must be implemented immediately upon notification. Geographically, the directive falls under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope of the directive is limited to the specified aircraft models and does not extend to other types of aeroplanes. The directive does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions; therefore, it is assumed to apply universally to all Piper PA-30 and PA-39 Series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth that meet the criteria outlined. The directive may be further extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, although such extensions or clarifications are not detailed in this particular legislative instrument.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, Section 105, addresses the safety directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-30 & 39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes. The key operative section of interest here is AD/PA-30/11 Amendment 1, which pertains to the installation of an alternator field fuse. According to this directive, any Twin Comanche aircraft fitted with a voltage regulator selector switch must comply with the specified requirements. The primary requirement outlined in this directive is the installation of a 3 amp fuse in each field circuit between the “F” field terminal on the alternator and the field relay (i.e. Cable PFIA and in cable PFIIA). Additionally, the directive mandates that the alternator system be functionally checked, and the voltage regulators adjusted according to the manufacturer's service manual. These steps are necessary to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive are quite clear. Operators of the Twin Comanche aircraft must ensure that the specified fuses are installed and that the alternator system is checked and adjusted as per the manufacturer's instructions. This requirement is to be fulfilled forthwith, indicating the urgency and importance of these safety measures. Failure to comply with the directives can result in severe consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided excerpt, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential consequences may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory sanctions. Given the critical nature of the directive, severe penalties may apply, reflecting the importance of adhering to these safety requirements.