AD/PA-31/122 Amdt 1 - Wing Spar Splice Plate

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within PART 39 - 105, establish a framework to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. This regulation, enacted by the Australian Parliament, addresses safety gaps in the maintenance and inspection requirements of certain aircraft types, aiming to enhance safety standards and prevent accidents. One such regulation is AD/PA-31/122 Amendment 1 concerning Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, which was introduced to mandate an annual inspection for corrosion on the splice plate of the wing spar following reported incidents. This policy objective is to mitigate the risk of structural failure due to corrosion, ensuring that aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety throughout their operational life. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for the enforcement and oversight of these regulations, ensuring that they are adhered to by all relevant operators and maintaining the integrity of Australia’s civil aviation safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, governs the airworthiness directives for aircraft operating within Australia, ensuring that all aircraft, including the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, meet necessary safety standards. This legislation applies to all PA-31 series aircraft, mandating that they undergo a mandatory inspection of the wing splice plate for signs of corrosion. The directive requires the removal of the under-belly access panel to expose and inspect the splice plate that joins the wing main spar lower caps at the aircraft's centre line. This inspection must be carried out by 12 February 1995 or within 12 months of the last inspection, whichever is later, and must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 12 months. This directive was introduced following reports of severe corrosion cases and is a Commonwealth regulation that extends across the national airspace, ensuring that all aircraft within Australia comply with these safety measures. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and its application is strictly enforced to maintain airworthiness and safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and inspection of various aircraft types. One such directive, AD/PA-31/122 Amendment 1, pertains to the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes and mandates inspections for corrosion on the wing spar splice plate (Section 1). The directive applies to all PA-31 series aircraft, demanding that the under-belly access panel be removed to expose the splice plate, which joins the wing main spar lower caps at the aircraft's centre line (Section 1). The requirement is to inspect the visible surfaces of this splice plate for any signs of corrosion (Section 1). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of PA-31 series aircraft must ensure that the inspection for corrosion on the wing spar splice plate is conducted by 12 February 1995, or within 12 months of the last inspection, whichever date is later (Section 1). Following this initial inspection, the inspections must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 12 months (Section 1). The directive underscores the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, particularly in light of recent reports of severe corrosion issues. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the airworthiness directive may result in serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties in this particular directive, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include the grounding of non-compliant aircraft, fines, and potential criminal charges for serious breaches that could endanger flight safety. The penalties for these offences can vary widely depending on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety.