AD/PA-31/3 - Aileron Cable - Inspection

Administered by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Legislation au F2006B05734 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

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-31/3 Aileron Cable - Inspection 8/68

Applicability: All models with S/Nos. 31-2 to 31-166, 31-168 to 31-180, 31-182, 31-185, 31-187 to

31-192, 31-194 and 31-197.

 

Document: Piper SB No. 276.

 

Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 4 July 1968.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide comprehensive regulations for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the industry. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, which aim to address safety concerns for various aircraft models. One such directive is AD/PA-31/3, which pertains to the inspection of aileron cables in Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with cable failure, thereby enhancing the overall safety of these aircraft models. The regulations were enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, with the policy objective of maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety through stringent regulatory measures. This legislative instrument, F2006B05734, focuses on specific models of Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, identified by their serial numbers, to ensure compliance with safety directives. The directive requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service after the specified date of 4 July 1968, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing potential safety issues promptly. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 276, which provides detailed guidance on the necessary inspections and maintenance procedures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/PA-31/3, pertains to the aileron cable inspection of specified Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. The directive applies to all models within the Piper PA-31 series with specific serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-166, 31-168 to 31-180, 31-182, 31-185, 31-187 to 31-192, 31-194, and 31-197. The directive necessitates compliance within 25 hours of time in service following the issuance date of 4 July 1968, as referenced in Piper SB No. 276. This regulation is jurisdictional under the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to aircraft operators and maintenance personnel who must ensure the specified models meet the outlined airworthiness standards. The directive's geographic reach is national, impacting all aircraft registered and operated within Australia that fall under the specified serial numbers. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but compliance is mandatory for the specified aircraft within the stipulated timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. In Part 39, which pertains to airworthiness directives, section 39.105 specifically outlines the requirements for Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. The directive AD/PA-31/3, referenced in section 39.105, focuses on the inspection of the aileron cable. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 31-2 to 31-166, 31-168 to 31-180, 31-182, 31-185, 31-187 to 31-192, 31-194, and 31-197. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 276 and mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 4 July 1968. The obligations under AD/PA-31/3 are straightforward but crucial for maintaining the safety of the aircraft. Operators of the specified Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the aileron cable is inspected according to the guidelines provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 276. This inspection must be carried out within the stipulated timeframe to ensure that any potential issues with the aileron cable are identified and addressed promptly. Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially grounding the aircraft until the required inspection and any necessary repairs are completed. Failure to adhere to the requirements of AD/PA-31/3 can have serious legal and operational consequences. Section 39.105 of the CARs stipulates that non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can lead to various penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the extract, under the broader framework of the CARs, non-compliance with safety directives can result in significant financial penalties, enforcement actions, or even the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate. These measures are intended to enforce compliance and maintain the high safety standards required in civil aviation. In summary, AD/PA-31/3 under section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates that specific Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes undergo an aileron cable inspection as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 276 within 25 hours of time in service after 4 July 1968. Operators are required to ensure timely compliance to avoid potential operational disruptions and legal penalties. Non-compliance with this directive can lead to severe consequences, including financial penalties and the potential grounding of the aircraft.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.