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-31/25
Amdt 1
Control Shaft Collar - Modification 1/76
Applicability: Models PA-31-300, PA-31-310 and PA-31-325 with S/Nos. 31-2 to 31-7612009.
Model PA-31-350 with S/Nos. 31-5001 to 31-7652018. Model PA-31P with S/Nos. 31P-1 to 31P- 7630001 and 31P-7630003. Model PA-31T with S/Nos. 31T-7400002 to 31T-7620002, 31T-7620004. 31T-7620005 and 31T-7620007.
Document: Piper SB No. 487.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 January 1976.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, serve as the primary legislative instrument governing civil aviation within the country. Part 39 of these regulations specifically addresses airworthiness directives, with Schedule 105 focusing on the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for safety standards and compliance in the operation of civil aircraft, ensuring that all aircraft meet necessary safety requirements to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the relevant body responsible for the administration and enforcement of these regulations, with a policy objective to maintain the highest possible safety standards in civil aviation.
One specific airworthiness directive within this legislation pertains to Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, particularly those models PA-31-300, PA-31-310, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, and PA-31T. The directive, AD/PA-31/25 Amendment 1, mandates the modification of control shaft collars in these aircraft to prevent potential failures that could lead to loss of control. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 30 January 1976 for certain serial number ranges of the specified models. This directive aligns with the overarching policy objective of ensuring aircraft safety and reliability in operation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, which includes the PA-31-300, PA-31-310, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, and PA-31T models. The regulations focus on the airworthiness directives for these aircraft, with AD/PA-31/25 Amendment 1 targeting the modification of control shaft collars. This legislation applies to aircraft within the specified serial number ranges and mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 January 1976. The applicability extends to all Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes operating within Australia, as the regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this directive, and compliance is mandatory for the specified aircraft to maintain their airworthiness. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may also extend or restrict the application through subordinate instruments, which are subject to the authority's further directives and notices.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the AD/PA-31/25 Amendment 1 (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39) pertain to the modification of control shaft collars in specific models of Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. These models include the PA-31-300, PA-31-310, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, and PA-31T with particular serial numbers. The directive mandates that the specified modifications be carried out within 100 hours of time in service following 30 January 1976. The compliance requirement is tied to Piper Service Bulletin No. 487, which outlines the technical specifications for the modifications.
The obligations and requirements imposed by the AD/PA-31/25 Amendment 1 are primarily focused on ensuring the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes must ensure that the modifications are performed by authorised personnel according to the guidelines set forth in Piper Service Bulletin No. 487. This includes detailed instructions on the inspection, replacement, or repair of the control shaft collars. Additionally, operators must keep detailed records of the compliance actions taken, including dates of service and the identification numbers of the personnel who performed the work.
Failure to comply with the AD/PA-31/25 Amendment 1 may result in significant consequences. Civil penalties can be imposed for non-compliance, with fines that may reach up to $16,500 for individuals and up to $82,500 for corporations, as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Furthermore, continued operation of an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness directives may result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, potentially leading to grounding of the aircraft and further legal ramifications. The gravity of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety and compliance of the aircraft in operation.