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-31/58 Auto Pilot Servo Bridle Clamp Bolt Torque - Modification
9/77
Applicability: Model PA-31 and PA-31-325 S/Nos. 31-712 to 31-7612089. Model PA-31-350 S/Nos. 31-5001 to 31-7652146; Model PA-31P S/Nos. 31P-1 to 31P-7730005; and Model PA-31T S/Nos. 31T-1400002 to 31T-7720025.
Document: Piper SB No. 558.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 September 1977.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05762, were enacted to address the need for comprehensive and up-to-date safety standards in civil aviation, particularly focusing on the airworthiness of aircraft. This legislation was introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliament to ensure the highest standards of safety in air travel, directly impacting the operations of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The policy objective is to mandate specific modifications and compliance checks to maintain the structural integrity and operational safety of the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, thereby mitigating any potential risks associated with the identified issue of the auto pilot servo bridle clamp bolt torque.
Specifically, the legislation targets the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, including models PA-31, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, and PA-31T, within particular serial number ranges. It mandates compliance with the modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 558, requiring the re-torquing of the auto pilot servo bridle clamp bolt within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1977. This directive aims to address a critical safety concern by ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from potential hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, addresses the application of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) pertinent to certain Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to specific serial numbers of the models PA-31, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, and PA-31T, which must adhere to the modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 558. Compliance with the directive requires the modification of the auto pilot servo bridle clamp bolt torque within 100 hours of time in service following 30 September 1977. This regulation has a national jurisdictional reach, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia and enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). No exclusions or exemptions are specified in this particular directive, and its application is strictly limited to the named models and serial numbers. The scope of the AD is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA as necessary to maintain airworthiness standards.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/58 concerning the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, mandate modifications to the auto pilot servo bridle clamp bolt torque. This directive applies to specific serial number ranges of the Piper PA-31 and PA-31-325 models (section 39-105(1)), as well as the PA-31-350, PA-31P, and PA-31T models (section 39-105(2)). Compliance with these modifications is required within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1977 (section 39-105(3)), as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 558.
The obligations imposed by these regulations require the owners or operators of the specified Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes to ensure that the auto pilot servo bridle clamp bolt torque is modified as per the directive. This includes conducting a thorough inspection and making the necessary adjustments to meet the specified requirements. The modifications must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could prevent it from being operated legally.
In the event of non-compliance with these airworthiness directives, there are potential civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who fail to comply with these regulations. The maximum penalties for such breaches can include substantial fines and, in more severe cases, prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. It is important for operators to adhere to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.