AD/PA-31/20 - Landing Gear Emergency Extension Operation Placard - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, encompass a range of safety directives to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. One such directive is AD/PA-31/20, introduced to address the specific safety concerns associated with the emergency extension operation of the landing gear in Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. This directive aims to ensure that the placards indicating the emergency extension procedure are replaced to enhance safety and operational reliability. By mandating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date, the regulation seeks to mitigate risks associated with the emergency landing gear extension procedure in these aircraft models. The Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes affected by this directive include models PA-31 and PA-31-300 with specific serial numbers, as well as model PA-31P within their respective serial number ranges. This directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 344, which provides detailed guidance on the necessary placard replacement. The overarching policy objective is to ensure that all covered aircraft meet the required safety standards, thereby protecting the interests of passengers, crew, and the general public by minimising the risk of accidents related to the landing gear emergency extension operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. This includes specific models, namely PA-31 and PA-31-300 with serial numbers 31-2 to 31-751, 31-753, and 754, as well as the PA-31P with serial numbers 31P-1 to 31P-53. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 October 1972. This legislation is a Commonwealth regulation, enforcing its provisions across Australia. It aims to ensure the airworthiness and safety of these particular aircraft types by requiring the replacement of placards related to the landing gear emergency extension operation, as documented in Piper Service Bulletin No. 344. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions but rather focus on ensuring that the required safety measures are implemented within the stipulated timeframe for the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, address the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/PA-31/20, concerns Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, specifically their landing gear emergency extension operation and the replacement of placards (section 10/72). This directive applies to PA-31 and PA-31-300 models with specific serial numbers, as well as PA-31P models within a defined serial number range. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 October 1972. In terms of obligations, the directive requires the owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-31 aeroplanes to ensure that the landing gear emergency extension operation is correctly implemented as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 344. Additionally, any existing placards related to the landing gear must be replaced to meet the standards outlined in the directive. This requirement is critical for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question, ensuring that all emergency procedures are clearly communicated and readily accessible to flight crews. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-31/20 can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the breach. Furthermore, continued operation of an aircraft that does not meet these airworthiness standards can result in the aircraft being grounded, which could have severe operational and financial repercussions for the owner or operator. In addition to criminal penalties, there are civil consequences for non-compliance. CASA has the authority to issue enforcement actions, including the suspension or revocation of an aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. This not only affects the immediate operation of the aircraft but can also have long-term implications for the operator's reputation and ability to conduct business in the aviation sector. Therefore, it is imperative for all parties governed by AD/PA-31/20 to adhere strictly to the directive's requirements to avoid these severe repercussions.