AD/PA-31/50 - Horizontal Stabiliser Stringer Attachment - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve as the principal legislative framework governing civil aviation safety in the country. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B05754, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to address specific safety concerns associated with the horizontal stabiliser stringer attachments in certain Piper PA-31 models. The objective of this directive is to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating regular inspections to prevent structural failures that could potentially compromise flight safety. Compliance with these directives is crucial to maintaining the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The enactment of F2006B05754 is a response to identified safety risks associated with the horizontal stabiliser stringer attachments in specified Piper PA-31 models. By issuing this Airworthiness Directive, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to mitigate these risks through regular and mandatory inspections, thereby ensuring that these aircraft continue to meet the stringent safety standards required for civil aviation operations. The directive underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in the aviation industry, emphasising the need for continuous oversight and compliance to protect both passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the scope of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, specifies in Part 39 - 105 that Airworthiness Directives apply to certain Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. Specifically, the directive AD/PA-31/50 relates to horizontal stabiliser stringer attachments and mandates inspections for specific model PA-31 and PA-31-325 aeroplanes with particular serial numbers, as well as for model PA-31-350 aeroplanes with their own set of serial numbers. The directive applies to all aircraft that fall within these serial number ranges, ensuring that these aeroplanes meet safety standards. This legislation applies to all aircraft operators and maintenance personnel within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby enforcing stringent safety measures on a national level. The directive must be complied with within 100 hours of the aeroplanes’ time in service after 30 November 1976, ensuring timely and consistent implementation of the safety measures. The Act’s applicability is comprehensive, covering specified aeroplanes without any noted exclusions or exemptions, ensuring a uniform approach to safety across the identified fleet.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes specific provisions regarding airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models. Specifically, AD/PA-31/50 concerns the inspection of horizontal stabiliser stringer attachments on Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all model PA-31 and PA-31-325 with specified serial numbers (s/nos. 31-7612060 to 31-7612080, 31-7612082 to 31-7612089, 31-7612091, 31-7612096 and 31-7612099) and model PA-31-350 with s/nos. 31-7652105 to 31-7652115, 31-7652117, 31-7652118, 31-7652120 to 31-7652146, 31-7652148 to 31-7652162, 31-7652164, 31-7652165, and 31-7652168 (subsection 11/76). Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1976. The obligations imposed by this regulation include the requirement for aircraft owners or operators to ensure that the specified inspections are conducted by qualified personnel. This involves a thorough examination of the horizontal stabiliser stringer attachments as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 521. The inspection must be performed meticulously to ensure that any potential structural issues are identified and addressed promptly, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. It is essential that records of these inspections are maintained and made available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/PA-31/50 can result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may lead to civil penalties. The maximum penalty for a serious breach can be up to 500 penalty units for an individual, while a body corporate may face a penalty of up to 2,500 penalty units. Additionally, ongoing non-compliance or repeated offences could result in criminal charges, leading to fines and imprisonment. It is crucial for operators to adhere strictly to the regulations to avoid these potential repercussions.