AD/PA-30/5 Amdt 2 - Installation of Vne Placard and Stabilator - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form the backbone of civil aviation safety regulation in the country. One specific amendment within this extensive regulatory framework is F2006B05679, which pertains to the Piper PA-30 and 39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for specific safety measures concerning the stabilator and airspeed indicator of certain Piper aircraft models. The problem it was designed to resolve included the potential for over-speed situations and stabilator imbalance, which could lead to safety hazards. The policy objective, as stated in the text, is to ensure that these aircraft are rebalanced and placarded correctly to prevent such risks. The Piper PA-30 and 39 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 853 to 1253 are specifically targeted by this amendment. It mandates that the stabilator must be rebalanced following Piper Service Bulletin No. 229A, and the airspeed indicator must be placarded to indicate a never exceed speed (Vne) of 206 Kts. IAS. Compliance with these directives is required forthwith, underscoring the urgency and importance of these safety measures. This regulation is a critical component of the overarching legislative framework aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards in Australian civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, has issued specific Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. Specifically, PART 39 - 105 pertains to the Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all Twin Comanche aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 853 to 1253, excluding the aircraft with S/No. 901. The directive mandates that these aircraft must be rebalanced in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 229A, and the airspeed indicator must be placarded to indicate a never exceed speed (Vne) of 206 knots Indicated Airspeed (IAS). Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented without delay to maintain the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive's jurisdictional reach applies to all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia, and it is enforced under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which grants the Civil Aviation Safety Authority the authority to issue and enforce such regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, section 105, addresses airworthiness directives for particular aircraft models. In this case, the legislation pertains to Piper PA-30 and PA-39 (Twin Comanche) series aeroplanes, with a focus on model PA-30 aircraft serial numbers ranging from 853 to 1253 (section 105). The requirement outlined in AD/PA-30/5 Amendment 2 mandates the installation of a Vne placard and the modification of the stabilator. This directive demands that the stabilator be rebalanced in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 229A and that the airspeed indicator be placarded to show a never exceed speed (Vne) of 206 knots indicated airspeed (IAS). Compliance with these requirements must be carried out forthwith. Under this regulation, the obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by these directives are clear and precise. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-30 aircraft must ensure that the stabilator is rebalanced as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 229A. Additionally, the airspeed indicator must be placarded to reflect a Vne of 206 knots IAS. These modifications are critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safe operational standards. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious safety implications and non-compliance with civil aviation regulations. In the event of non-compliance with the provisions of these airworthiness directives, there are significant consequences outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The operation of an aircraft that does not meet the specified airworthiness standards can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties for breaching these directives can include substantial fines, enforcement notices, and in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. The precise penalties are determined based on the severity and circumstances of the breach, with maximum penalties being set according to the specific regulations governing aviation safety. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial to avoid such repercussions and to maintain the highest safety standards in aviation operations.