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-31/35 Heater Fuel Manual Shut-Off Valve - Removal 2/75
Applicability: Models PA-31 and PA-31-300 with S/Nos. 31-2 to 31-7401258. Document: Piper SB No. 417.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 28 February 1975.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B05739, introduced specific safety requirements to ensure the airworthiness of Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Government, this regulation was designed to address potential safety issues associated with the heater fuel manual shut-off valve in certain Piper PA-31 models. The regulation mandates the removal of this component, as detailed in the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/35, to mitigate risks that could compromise flight safety. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1975, reflecting the regulatory body's commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the regulation and oversight of civil aviation safety within Australia, encompassing all air navigation, aircraft operations, and airworthiness standards. Under this regulatory framework, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure that aircraft meet specific safety standards. One such AD, identified as AD/PA-31/35, focuses on Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, which includes models PA-31 and PA-31-300 with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-7401258. This directive mandates the removal of the heater fuel manual shut-off valve, with compliance required within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1975, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 417. The directive applies exclusively to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, ensuring that only these aeroplanes are subject to the outlined safety requirements. The regulations extend to all operations within Australian airspace, reinforcing the national commitment to aviation safety.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, detail important provisions regarding the safety of Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes (sections 39-105). This regulation focuses on the removal of the heater fuel manual shut-off valve for models PA-31 and PA-31-300 with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-7401258. The directive, identified as AD/PA-31/35, references Piper Service Bulletin No. 417, which provides further guidance on compliance.
This regulation requires that the heater fuel manual shut-off valve must be removed from the specified Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1975. The directive mandates that the removal must be carried out in accordance with the instructions and specifications outlined in Piper SB No. 417. This ensures that the aeroplanes meet specific safety standards set by CASA to prevent potential hazards related to the heater fuel system.
The obligations imposed by this directive fall primarily on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. They must ensure that the specified Piper PA-31 aeroplanes are inspected and, if necessary, have the heater fuel manual shut-off valve removed within the stipulated timeframe. The directive requires thorough documentation and compliance verification to maintain airworthiness and adherence to safety regulations. Failure to comply with this directive may result in the aeroplane being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to grounding and legal consequences.
In terms of penalties and consequences, non-compliance with the airworthiness directives can lead to significant civil and criminal liabilities. CASA has the authority to impose fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and other regulatory actions against non-compliant entities. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with these directives may include substantial fines and potential imprisonment for individuals responsible for ensuring compliance. It is crucial for all parties involved to adhere strictly to the regulations to avoid these severe repercussions.