COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-30 & 39 (Twin Comanche) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-30/29 Aileron Spar - Inspection and Modification 1/77
Applicability: All models PA-30 and PA-39 with S/Nos. 30-2 to 30-2000; and 39-1 to 39-155 not incorporating Piper Kit No. 760914.
Document: Piper SL No. 787.
Compliance: Inspect within 100 hours time in service after 28 February 1977 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until modified.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Part 39 of these regulations addresses airworthiness directives, which are regulatory measures intended to address safety issues with specific aircraft types. One such directive, AD/PA-30/29, pertains to Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes, specifically targeting the aileron spar. This directive was introduced to address potential structural issues that could compromise the safety of these aircraft models. The objective is to mandate regular inspections and, if necessary, modifications to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft. Compliance with this directive is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which enforces adherence to the specified inspection intervals to mitigate any potential risks associated with the identified issue.
The Piper PA-30 and PA-39 aileron spar inspection and modification directive is a critical component of the broader regulatory framework established under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. By setting forth specific compliance requirements, including a thorough inspection within 100 hours of service after 28 February 1977 and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours, CASA ensures that any identified structural deficiencies are promptly addressed. This proactive approach aims to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety, protecting both the aircraft and those onboard. The directive applies to all PA-30 and PA-39 models with specific serial numbers, excluding those that have already incorporated the corrective measures detailed in Piper Service Letter No. 787.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, outlines the requirements for the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models PA-30 and PA-39 with specific serial numbers, excluding those that have incorporated Piper Kit No. 760914. The regulation mandates that these aircraft must be inspected within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1977 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the required modifications are made. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is national, extending across the Commonwealth of Australia and enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This directive ensures that the aileron spar of the specified aircraft models is regularly inspected and modified to maintain airworthiness, thereby ensuring safety standards are met throughout their operation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This AD, AD/PA-30/29, mandates inspections and modifications to the aileron spar of the affected models. According to the legislation, all models PA-30 and PA-39 with serial numbers ranging from 30-2 to 30-2000 and 39-1 to 39-155, excluding those incorporating Piper Kit No. 760914, must comply with these requirements (Section 1/77).
The primary requirement of this AD is to conduct an inspection of the aileron spar within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1977. This inspection must then be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the specified modifications are carried out (Section 1/77). These inspections are essential to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.
The obligations under this AD fall on the owners and operators of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the aileron spar inspections are performed by a certified individual in accordance with the specified intervals. Once the inspections are completed and any issues are identified, the required modifications must be implemented. Failure to adhere to these requirements could lead to the aircraft being grounded and deemed unairworthy.
Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-30/29 can have serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance can result in civil penalties, including fines of up to $111,000 for individuals and $555,000 for corporations, as well as potential criminal penalties for more severe breaches. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with the AD could result in the issuance of a Notice of Unauthorized Modification (NOUM), which could lead to further enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).