AD/PA-31/111 - Hydraulic Hose

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05698, address specific safety concerns regarding the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, particularly those related to hydraulic hoses. This legislation was introduced to rectify a significant safety issue identified in the aircraft's hydraulic system, where a batch of hydraulic hoses was found to be manufactured from material that did not comply with the necessary pressure requirements for safe operation. The Australian Parliament enacted this regulation through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure that the identified problem is promptly and effectively addressed, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation within Australia. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 822 within 25 hours of the aircraft being in service post 19 May 1986, thus mitigating the risk associated with the substandard hydraulic hoses.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives for aircraft operating within Australian airspace. The regulation AD/PA-31/111 pertains to all models of Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes and mandates compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 822 regarding the replacement of certain hydraulic hoses. This directive applies to any operator or owner of a Piper PA-31 aeroplane, ensuring that these aircraft meet specified safety standards to maintain airworthiness. The requirement necessitates action within 25 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 19 May 1986. The regulation applies nationally, enforcing adherence across all states and territories within Australia. The directive does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes must comply with the stipulated requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/PA-31/111, focuses on the replacement of hydraulic hoses to ensure the safety of these aircraft. The directive applies to all models of the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes as detailed in the Requirement Document. It mandates that the action required must be in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 822. The directive specifies that compliance must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service after the effective date of the directive, which is 19 May 1986. Under this directive, the primary obligation imposed on the parties or entities governed by it is to replace the affected hydraulic hoses with those that meet the specified safety standards. This requirement is critical to prevent potential failures in the aircraft's hydraulic system, which could lead to serious safety issues during flight. The directive ensures that the hydraulic hoses are made from material that meets the necessary pressure requirements, thereby enhancing the overall airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with AD/PA-31/111 can lead to severe consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, any breach of airworthiness directives can result in significant civil or criminal penalties. In Australia, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be treated as an offence under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may lead to fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalties can depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any resultant harm or risk to aviation safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations and can take action against non-compliant operators or individuals.