AD/PA-31/45 - Battery Drain - Relocation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and enacted by the Australian Parliament, were established to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. One of the instruments under this regulation, F2006B05749, specifically addresses airworthiness directives for Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address a safety concern related to battery drain in certain models of the Piper PA-31 Series, particularly those with serial numbers ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7552073. The policy objective is to ensure the ongoing airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by mandating compliance with specific service bulletins and directives, thereby mitigating risks associated with battery drain. The Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/45, issued in response to the identified problem, requires compliance within 200 hours of time in service after 30 June 1976. This directive mandates adherence to either Piper Service Bulletin No. 460A or the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airworthiness Directive 76-04-10. The regulation aims to ensure that the specified aircraft models are maintained to a standard that precludes potential hazards associated with battery drain, thereby maintaining the highest possible safety standards for Australian civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as detailed in Part 39 - 105, govern the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Specifically, AD/PA-31/45 pertains to the relocation of the battery drain on Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, particularly for models PA-31-350 with serial numbers ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7552073 inclusive. This directive applies to aircraft operators and owners who must ensure compliance within 200 hours of time in service following the directive's effective date of 30 June 1976. Compliance can be demonstrated by referencing Piper Service Bulletin No. 460A or the corresponding Federal Aviation Administration AD 76-04-10. The legislation applies nationally across Australia and is enforced by CASA, with potential extensions or restrictions to its application managed through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes AD/PA-31/45, focus on the relocation of the battery drain to ensure safety and compliance (sections 6/76). The applicability section specifies that the directive applies to the model PA-31-350 with serial numbers ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7552073 inclusive. The directive requires compliance to be achieved within 200 hours of time in service after 30 June 1976, referencing Piper Service Bulletin No. 460A or FAA AD 76-04-10 as the documentation to guide the compliance process. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are centred around ensuring that the battery drain is relocated as specified. This involves adherence to the timeline outlined in the directive, meaning that the battery drain relocation must be completed within 200 hours of time in service post the specified date. The directive also mandates that relevant documentation, such as Piper Service Bulletin No. 460A or FAA AD 76-04-10, be referenced to ensure that the relocation is carried out correctly and in accordance with the stipulated standards. Operators and owners of the affected Piper PA-31-350 aircraft are required to ensure that these modifications are made promptly to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can result in serious legal and safety consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach are not detailed in the provided text, it is generally understood that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. This may include fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against non-compliant operators, which could result in the suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, thereby affecting the legal operation of the aircraft. It is important for all stakeholders to be aware of and adhere to these requirements to avoid any adverse outcomes.