AD/PA-31/49 - Elevator Hinge System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to regulate various aspects of civil aviation safety, including the airworthiness of aircraft. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B05753, addresses the airworthiness of Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, specifically targeting the elevator hinge system. This instrument was introduced to address identified safety concerns and ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. The policy objective of this regulation is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating specific modifications to the elevator hinge system of Piper PA-31T model aeroplanes, ensuring these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to operate. The applicability of this directive includes all Piper PA-31T models with serial numbers ranging from 31T-7400001 to 31T-7620039, with compliance required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976. This regulation is part of the broader framework under which the Civil Aviation Safety Authority schedules airworthiness directives to mitigate risks and maintain high safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandates the compliance of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, including the AD/PA-31/49 pertaining to the elevator hinge system modification. This legislation applies to all model PA-31T aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 31T-7400001 to 31T-7620039. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 504. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing stringent safety standards within the aviation industry to ensure the airworthiness of the specified Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, thereby safeguarding both crew and passengers. The scope of this legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the outlined safety directives.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, provides detailed requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of certain aircraft. The regulation in focus here, AD/PA-31/49, pertains to the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, particularly model PA-31T with serial numbers ranging from 31T-7400001 to 31T-7620039. This directive mandates a modification to the elevator hinge system, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 504. The compliance requirement is that the specified modification must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976, ensuring the ongoing safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. For the parties or entities governed by this directive, the obligations are clear and stringent. Aircraft operators must ensure that the elevator hinge system modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 504 are carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This involves detailed technical work that may require certified mechanics or engineers to inspect the system, perform the necessary modifications, and document the work thoroughly. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to serious safety issues, potentially resulting in the aircraft being grounded until the modifications are completed. Failure to adhere to the provisions set forth in AD/PA-31/49 can result in significant legal and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose strict penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. In cases of breach, the consequences can include both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may involve fines, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment. The maximum penalties for such breaches are not explicitly stated in this particular directive but can be severe under the broader Civil Aviation Regulations, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining airworthiness standards to ensure public safety.