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-31/29 Elevator Balance Weight Attach Bolts - Inspection 1/74
Applicability: All model PA-31-350 with S/Nos. 31-5001 to 31-7305079, 31-7305081 to 31-
7305089, 31-7305094, 31-7305096 to 31-7305099; and 31-7305102.
Document: Piper SL No. 681.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 January 1974.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/29 to address specific safety concerns regarding the elevator balance weight attach bolts in Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, enacted in 1998 as part of the Civil Aviation Regulations, is designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft by mandating regular inspections of the specified elevator balance weight attach bolts. The directive applies to all model PA-31-350 with serial numbers ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7305079, 31-7305081 to 31-7305089, 31-7305094, 31-7305096 to 31-7305099, and 31-7305102. Compliance with these inspection requirements is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1974. The directive aims to mitigate risks associated with the specified components, ensuring the ongoing safety and operational integrity of the aircraft as mandated by CASA.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the maintenance and safety standards of aircraft within Australia. One such directive, AD/PA-31/29, is targeted at Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, focusing on the elevator balance weight attach bolts. This directive applies to specific model PA-31-350 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7305079, 31-7305081 to 31-7305089, 31-7305094, 31-7305096 to 31-7305099, and 31-7305102. The directive mandates that compliance with the specified inspection requirements must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1974, as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 681. The legislation is binding on all entities and individuals operating these specified aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards set by CASA. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, and the scope of its application is enforced through subordinate instruments that may provide further detail or clarification on compliance procedures.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that mandates certain safety measures for various aircraft models, including the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/PA-31/29, pertains to elevator balance weight attach bolts, as outlined in the Piper Service Letter No. 681 (paragraph 1/74). This directive applies to all model PA-31-350 with serial numbers ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7305079, 31-7305081 to 31-7305089, 31-7305094, 31-7305096 to 31-7305099, and 31-7305102. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 January 1974.
The directive requires a thorough inspection of the elevator balance weight attach bolts to ensure they are in good condition and correctly installed. This is a critical safety measure designed to prevent potential failure during flight, which could lead to loss of control over the aircraft. The inspection must be conducted by qualified personnel who are authorised to carry out such tasks under the regulations.
Entities governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, such as aircraft operators and maintenance service providers, must ensure that all applicable aircraft meet the requirements of AD/PA-31/29. This involves conducting the necessary inspections within the specified timeframe and taking corrective action if any issues are found with the elevator balance weight attach bolts. Failure to comply with this directive could result in severe consequences, including grounding of the affected aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed.
Non-compliance with AD/PA-31/29 could result in significant penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, any person or entity that fails to adhere to an Airworthiness Directive can be subject to enforcement actions. These actions may include fines and, in more serious cases, prosecution leading to criminal charges. The specific penalties can vary, but they are designed to enforce strict compliance with safety regulations to protect public safety and ensure the integrity of civil aviation operations.