AD/PA-31/2 - Electric Wiring and Fuel Crossfeed Line - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) that aim to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive is AD/PA-31/2, which was introduced to address safety concerns related to the electric wiring and fuel crossfeed lines in Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to certain model numbers and serial numbers of the Piper PA-31 aeroplanes, mandating inspections and modifications to prevent potential issues such as chafing and interference of the wiring and fuel lines, which could compromise the aircraft's safety. The objective of this directive is to maintain and enhance the safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that specific components of these aeroplanes are regularly inspected and maintained according to the prescribed procedures and timelines.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes with serial numbers listed in the directive, which includes models with serial numbers 31-2 to 31-220, 31-222, 31-223, 31-225, 31-228, 31-234, 31-237, 31-238, 31-240, 31-242 and 31-243. This regulation is applicable to all operators and owners of these specific aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia, imposing mandatory safety requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aeroplanes. The directive outlines specific inspection and modification tasks to be carried out on the electric wiring and fuel crossfeed line of the aircraft, necessitating the removal and inspection of the fuel control panel cover assembly, checking for chafing or interference of wiring, and ensuring compliance with the specified modifications by certain deadlines. Failure to adhere to these directives could result in the non-compliance of the aircraft with safety standards, potentially leading to regulatory action against the operators or owners of the affected aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the requirements and procedures for the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, including a directive for electric wiring and fuel crossfeed line inspections and modifications (AD/PA-31/2). The directive applies to all models with specific serial numbers (Section 7/68). The primary requirement involves a thorough inspection and modification of the fuel control panel cover assembly P/N 41448-00, focusing on the wiring and the fuel crossfeed line to ensure there are no signs of chafing or interference, particularly where they interact with the spar structure and the fuel control cable (Section 1). Additionally, the fuel crossfeed line itself must be inspected for chafing against the spar structure and the cover assembly. Any chafed wires or fuel crossfeed lines that have been worn beyond 10 percent of the wall thickness must be replaced. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must conduct an inspection within 5 hours of service after 31 May 1968 and ensure any modifications are completed before 1 August 1968 (Compliance). This involves not only the physical inspection and repair but also adherence to the re-routing of wiring and securing the fuel crossfeed line in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 278, which includes using a specific kit (Kit No. 760216) dated 27 May 1968. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to serious safety issues, including potential electrical failures and fuel system malfunctions, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft. Breaching these provisions can result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges. Specifically, the regulations do not explicitly state maximum penalties in this context, but violations of aviation safety directives typically carry significant legal ramifications. This includes the potential for enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which may include fines up to several thousand dollars and other civil or administrative penalties. In severe cases, failure to comply could also result in criminal charges, particularly if the breach leads to an accident or incident that causes harm or loss of life.