AD/PA-30/12 - Seat Frame - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. Within this framework, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Piper PA-30 & 39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes AD/PA-30/12 directive. This legislation was introduced to address a specific safety issue identified in certain models of the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 aircraft, namely those equipped with vertically adjustable pilot and co-pilot seats. The directive mandates a modification to the seat frames to enhance safety and compliance with civil aviation standards. CASA's policy objective, as stated within the directive, is to mitigate potential risks associated with the seat frame design, ensuring that the aircraft meet the necessary safety requirements and standards. This legislative measure aims to protect both the crew and passengers by reducing the likelihood of in-flight incidents related to seat adjustments and overall aircraft stability.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives that apply to various aircraft, including the Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates specific modifications to the seat frames of certain model PA-30 aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, aiming to enhance safety through structural adjustments. The directive applies to aeroplanes with vertically adjustable pilot and/or co-pilot seats, identified by serial numbers ranging from 30-1717 to 30-2000, and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the effective date of 31 May 1971. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and ensures that the specified aircraft meet safety standards through the implementation of modifications detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 336. This legislation is applicable within the Commonwealth jurisdiction and is a critical component of the regulatory framework governing aviation safety in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically addresses the airworthiness directives concerning Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes. Within this framework, AD/PA-30/12 outlines a critical modification requirement for the seat frames of certain model PA-30 aircraft. Specifically, this directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 30-1717 and 30-1745 to 30-2000, which have vertically adjustable pilot and/or co-pilot seat installations (Section 5/71). The modification is referenced in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 336, and compliance is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971. The obligations imposed by AD/PA-30/12 are clear: aircraft owners or operators must ensure that the specified modifications are carried out on the affected seat frames. This includes verifying the aircraft’s serial number falls within the applicable range and confirming that the seats in question are vertically adjustable. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing its operation until the required modifications are completed. Breaching the provisions outlined in AD/PA-30/12 can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can enforce penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines, suspension of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, or even criminal charges in cases of gross negligence. The exact penalties are determined based on the severity of the breach and the potential risk posed to aviation safety. It is imperative for aircraft owners and operators to adhere strictly to the compliance timeline to avoid these repercussions.