COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-31/10 Stall Strip - Inspection 2/70
Applicability: All models with S/Nos. 31-465 to 31-478, 31-480, 31-481, 31-483, 31-484, 31-486
to 31-514, 31-516, 31-518 to 31-526, 31-528, 31-529, 31-534 and 31-537.
Document: Piper SB No. 304.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 20 February 1970.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate the safety and operational standards of civil aviation within Australia. This legislative instrument addresses safety concerns and compliance requirements within the civil aviation sector, ensuring that aircraft and related operations meet stringent safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. The specific directive AD/PA-31/10 pertains to the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of stall strips to mitigate risks associated with aircraft performance and safety. The policy objective is to enhance the overall safety of civil aviation by mandating regular inspections and adherence to specified safety directives.
The regulation is part of a broader framework established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which aims to enforce compliance with safety directives and maintain high standards in the aviation industry. The directive for the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes was introduced to address specific safety issues related to stall strips, ensuring that these aircraft meet necessary safety standards within a defined timeframe post-manufacture. The requirement for compliance within 100 hours of service post-20 February 1970 underscores the importance of timely inspections to prevent potential safety hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-31/10 as part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates an inspection for stall strips on all Piper PA-31 aeroplanes with serial numbers falling within the specified ranges. The purpose of this directive is to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by addressing potential issues related to stall strips, which are critical components for safe flight. The directive applies to the named aircraft models and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance on 20 February 1970. The directive applies to all operators of the affected aircraft within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that these specific aeroplanes meet the safety standards set forth by CASA. The directive does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, meaning that all affected aircraft must comply with the inspection requirements as outlined.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, provides specific provisions regarding the airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, particularly focusing on the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. Section AD/PA-31/10 mandates an inspection for a stall strip, which applies to specific serial numbers of the Piper PA-31 series (sections 31-465 to 31-478, 31-480, 31-481, 31-483, 31-484, 31-486 to 31-514, 31-516, 31-518 to 31-526, 31-528, 31-529, 31-534, and 31-537). This inspection is documented in Piper Service Bulletin No. 304 and must be conducted within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 20 February 1970.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose specific obligations on the parties involved, such as aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. The regulations require that the stall strip inspection be carried out meticulously according to the guidelines provided in Piper SB No. 304. This ensures that the aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety standards are upheld. The regulations also require that any identified issues with the stall strip be addressed promptly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid any potential hazards during flight.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives stipulated in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in severe consequences. The regulations outline various offences, including non-compliance with inspection requirements, which can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines and the potential grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections are completed. Criminal penalties may apply in cases of gross negligence or deliberate non-compliance, leading to more severe sanctions, including imprisonment. The specific maximum penalties are detailed in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 but can include substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences depending on the severity of the breach.