AD/PA-30/31 - Aileron Nose Rib - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B05673, were enacted to address the need for ongoing safety oversight in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft meet the required standards for airworthiness. This particular legislative instrument pertains to Part 39 - 105 of the regulations, which focuses on the authority to issue airworthiness directives. Specifically, it addresses the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 series aeroplanes, providing directives for inspection and modification of the aileron nose rib to mitigate the risk of structural failure. The objective is to ensure that all relevant aircraft are maintained to a safe standard, thereby protecting the public and improving the safety of civil aviation. This directive was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and is aimed at preventing potential hazards that could compromise the structural integrity of these aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, applies to all Piper PA-30 and PA-39 series aeroplanes with serial numbers starting from 30-1 and 39-1 respectively. The regulation mandates inspections and modifications to the aileron nose rib to address issues of structural integrity and safety. This requirement is applicable nationwide within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all operators of these aircraft adhere to the safety directives outlined in the legislation. The directive applies to both individuals and entities operating these aircraft, thereby covering a broad range of civil aviation activities. While the regulation is comprehensive, it is important to note that it extends to compliance with specific documentation, such as Piper SL NO. 850 or FAA AD 79-20-10, Amdt. 39-3579, which provide detailed guidelines on the inspection and modification processes. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this particular directive, ensuring a uniform approach to maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft. The regulation's reach is reinforced through subordinate instruments that may further detail compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include a schedule of airworthiness directives that apply to various aircraft models. In this instance, AD/PA-30/31 pertains to the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 Twin Comanche series aeroplanes (section 1). The directive requires an inspection of the aileron nose rib within 100 hours of time in service following 30 November 1979, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the aeroplane is modified by fitting Piper Kit No. 763 893 (section 2). Compliance can be demonstrated through either Piper Service Letter No. 850 or FAA AD 79-20-10, Amendment 39-3579 (section 3). Operators of Piper PA-30 and PA-39 Twin Comanche series aeroplanes are required to adhere to the airworthiness directive by conducting the specified inspections within the prescribed timeframes. The directive applies to all models of the PA-30 with serial numbers 30-1 and up, and PA-39 with serial numbers 39-1 and up (section 1). Operators must ensure that the aeroplanes are inspected and, if necessary, modified to comply with the requirements to maintain airworthiness and prevent potential structural failures due to cracks in the aileron nose rib (section 2). Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive may result in serious safety implications. Non-compliance with the inspection and modification requirements could lead to operational restrictions or grounding of the aeroplane until the necessary actions are taken. Such non-compliance may also result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including the possibility of administrative or legal penalties (section 4). The specific consequences would depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but the overarching aim is to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, breaches of the airworthiness directives can lead to both civil and criminal consequences. Operators who fail to comply with the inspection and modification requirements may face enforcement actions, which could include fines and other administrative penalties (section 4). In more severe cases, non-compliance could result in criminal charges, especially if the breach leads to safety incidents or accidents. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring aviation safety (section 5). The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific circumstances of the breach and any resulting harm.