AD/PA-31/112 - Crossover Fuel Line

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/PA-31/112 concerning Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. Enacted to address safety concerns identified in the aviation industry, this legislative instrument is a response to an incident where an in-cockpit fire occurred due to a fuel leak from the crossover fuel line at the fuel control panel. The objective of this directive, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to ensure compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 825 within 25 hours of the aircraft accumulating time in service after 20 May 1986. This directive applies to all model PA-31-300/310 Navajo aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-544, mandating specific actions to mitigate the risk of fuel leaks and resultant fires. By enforcing these measures, the Civil Aviation Regulations aim to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, addressing identified risks through authoritative action and ensuring the continued safety of air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, more precisely the PA-31-300/310 Navajo models with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-544. This directive applies to any individual or entity that owns, operates, or maintains these specific models within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive mandates corrective action in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 825, following the occurrence of an in-cockpit fire due to a fuel leak from the crossover fuel line at the fuel control panel. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 25 hours of time in service after 20 May 1986, underscoring the urgency and critical nature of the required action. The AD is applicable nationally, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range must adhere to the prescribed safety measures. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this directive, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, mandate the requirements for the airworthiness of Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the crossover fuel line issue. Section 105 of the regulations outlines the applicability of the airworthiness directive AD/PA-31/112, which pertains to all model PA-31-300/310 Navajo aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-544. The requirement stipulated in this section is that the action must be taken in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 825 to address the identified safety issue. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 20 May 1986. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 on the parties governed by this airworthiness directive include ensuring that the specified action is implemented in a timely manner. Operators of the affected aircraft models must follow the guidelines set out in Piper Service Bulletin No. 825 to rectify the fuel crossover line issue. This involves inspecting, repairing, or replacing the fuel line as necessary to prevent potential fuel leaks and subsequent fire hazards. Compliance with these requirements is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all personnel onboard. Breach of the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and the specific airworthiness directive AD/PA-31/112 can lead to significant consequences. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The regulatory body has the authority to impose penalties, including fines and sanctions, against entities that fail to adhere to the mandated safety standards. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, but they are designed to enforce compliance and uphold the high standards of aviation safety in Australia. It is imperative for operators to take the necessary actions to ensure their aircraft meet the required safety standards to avoid any adverse outcomes.