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-31/14 Battery Drain - Relocation 12/70
Applicability: All models with s/Nos. 31-2 to 31-591 inclusive. Document: Piper SB No. 325.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 December 1970.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, establish comprehensive standards for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. One particular aspect addressed by these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the continued airworthiness of specific aircraft models. The AD/PA-31/14, which pertains to the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to tackle the issue of battery drain due to improper wiring, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 325. The policy objective is to mandate compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1970, thus ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and preventing potential operational hazards associated with battery drain. This regulatory measure reflects the Commonwealth's commitment to maintaining high safety standards within its civil aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for aircraft operating in Australian airspace. This legislation applies to all Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-591 inclusive. These directives are designed to ensure that the aircraft meet the required safety standards by addressing specific issues such as the relocation of battery drains, as outlined in AD/PA-31/14. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1970. The regulation ensures that aircraft maintenance and safety procedures align with established standards, thus enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation in Australia. The regulations extend to all operators of these aircraft within the Commonwealth, ensuring uniform adherence to safety directives across the country.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, detail Airworthiness Directives for the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, focusing on battery drain and its relocation. The directive, identified as AD/PA-31/14, mandates the relocation of the battery drain to mitigate potential issues, applicable to all models with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-591. The compliance requirement is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1970, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 325. This directive is crucial for ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by addressing potential electrical faults.
The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, section 105, are primarily directed towards aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They must ensure that the battery drain relocation is completed within the specified timeframe to comply with the directive. This involves conducting a thorough inspection, identifying the need for relocation, and performing the necessary modifications to the aircraft. Operators and maintenance personnel must also maintain records of the compliance actions taken and ensure that these records are readily available for inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request. This documentation serves as proof of compliance and adherence to the safety standards set by the regulations.
Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, section 105, can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 stipulates that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can lead to penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges. For instance, under section 34 of the Act, an individual or entity found to be in breach of these regulations may face fines up to $210,000 for a corporation and $42,000 for an individual. Additionally, non-compliance could result in the grounding of the aircraft, which not only incurs financial penalties but also poses significant safety risks. The potential for severe repercussions underscores the importance of adhering to the directives to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.