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-31/55 Lower Inboard R.H. Wing Surface - Inspection 4/77
Applicability: All models PA-31 and PA-31-325 with S/Nos. 31-7612064, to 31-7612110, 31- 7712001 to 31-7712012, 31-7712014, 31-7712015, 31-7712017, 31-7712018, 31-
7712020, to 31-7712023, 31-7712025 to 31-7712027. All model PA-31- 350 with
S/Nos. 31-7652104 to -7652120, -7652122, -7652124, -7652125, -7652127,
-7652129, -7652130, -7652132 to 7652135, -7652137, -7652139, -7652141,
-7652142, -7652145, -7652147, -7652148, -7652150, -7652151, -7652153,
-7652154, -7652156, -7652157, -7652159, -7652162, to -7658777, -7752001,
-7752002, -7752004 to -7752006, -7752008, -7752009, -7752011, -7752012,
-7752015 -7752019, to -7752022, -7752027, -7752036, -7752038, -7752040,
-7752042, -7752047 to -7752049.
Requirement: 1. Inspect the RH wing lower surface from the front spar fuselage attachment diagonally aft to the wheel well area for indication of lower wing skin deformation and/or loose or missing rivets.
2. For PA-31-350 “Navajo Chieftain” fabricate and install in full view of the pilot, a placard reading “MAXIMUM LANDING WEIGHT 6650 POUNDS” “(3016 KILOGRAMS)”.
Compliance: 1. Initially before further flight and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 20 landings until modified in accordance with Piper SB No. 554.
2. Before further flight, retain in position until modified.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, form a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the safety and operational standards of civil aviation in Australia. One specific area of focus within these regulations is the enforcement of airworthiness directives, such as AD/PA-31/55 concerning Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, these regulations aim to ensure that aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the national airspace. The policy objective behind such detailed directives is to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations by mandating regular inspections and specific modifications, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that ensure the safety of aircraft operations. AD/PA-31/55 is applicable to certain Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, particularly those with specific serial numbers within the PA-31 and PA-31-325 and PA-31-350 models. These regulations are binding on all entities and individuals operating these aircraft within Australia. The scope of the directive requires detailed inspections of the lower inboard right-hand wing surface for deformation and loose or missing rivets. For the PA-31-350 “Navajo Chieftain” model, a placard indicating the maximum landing weight must be installed in full view of the pilot. Compliance with these directives involves conducting inspections before further flight and at regular intervals, as specified, until modifications are made in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 554. These regulations are enforced across the Commonwealth, applying uniformly to all relevant aircraft operations within Australian jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include provisions for the inspection and compliance of Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/PA-31/55 (Section 1). The directive mandates a thorough inspection of the right-hand (RH) wing lower surface for all specified models and serial numbers of the PA-31 and PA-31-325 series. The inspection must cover the area from the front spar fuselage attachment diagonally aft to the wheel well area, looking for signs of deformation, loose, or missing rivets. Furthermore, for the PA-31-350 "Navajo Chieftain" models, a placard indicating a maximum landing weight of 6650 pounds (3016 kilograms) must be fabricated and installed in full view of the pilot.
Under these regulations, the entities governed by this Act are required to conduct these inspections and modifications with strict adherence to the outlined procedures. Specifically, for the affected models, the inspection must occur before any further flight and then at intervals not exceeding 20 landings until the modifications are made as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 554. For the placard requirement, it must be retained in position before any further flight until the modification is completed. This ensures that the aircraft remain airworthy and compliant with safety standards.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-31/55 can result in significant legal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the text provided, it is generally understood that violations of Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to substantial fines and potential criminal charges. The exact penalties can vary, but they may include fines of up to $275,000 for corporations and lesser amounts for individuals, depending on the severity of the breach and any aggravating factors. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft, which could have severe operational and financial repercussions for the operators.