AD/PA-31/6 - Attachment Of Rudder Tab Hinge Brackets - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05764, were enacted to ensure safety and operational efficiency within Australia's civil aviation sector. Specifically addressing the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, the legislation introduces Airworthiness Directives (AD) to mitigate safety risks associated with the aircraft's design and operational conditions. The policy objective of this legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is to mandate modifications to the rudder tab hinge brackets of all Piper PA-31 models prior to serial number 31-260 to ensure compliance with safety standards. This directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 14 February 1969, as detailed in Piper Service Letter No. 512. By establishing these requirements, the regulations aim to enhance the overall safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the requirements for the airworthiness directives issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislation applies to all Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes that were manufactured prior to serial number 31-260, mandating that they comply with the directive regarding the attachment of rudder tab hinge brackets. This directive, detailed in Piper Service Letter No. 512, must be adhered to within 100 hours of the aeroplanes' time in service after 14 February 1969. The regulation's jurisdiction extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to aircraft safety and maintenance. It is imperative that all operators and owners of the affected aircraft models comply with this directive to maintain airworthiness standards. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions from this requirement, ensuring that all applicable aircraft must meet the stipulated modifications.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, impose specific requirements on the operation of certain aircraft. In this context, AD/PA-31/6 is a critical directive concerning the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, specifically those models prior to serial number 31-260. This directive mandates the attachment of rudder tab hinge brackets, as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 512, to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service following 14 February 1969. Entities governed by this regulation, such as aircraft operators, maintenance providers, and relevant personnel, must adhere to the specific requirements set forth in AD/PA-31/6. This includes ensuring that the rudder tab hinge brackets are correctly attached and that all modifications are completed within the specified timeframe. The obligation extends to maintaining accurate records of compliance and ensuring that all modifications are carried out by qualified personnel. These entities must also ensure that the aircraft remains in a safe and airworthy condition throughout the compliance process. Failure to comply with AD/PA-31/6 can result in significant legal consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of the penalty may depend on the extent of non-compliance and whether it posed a risk to aviation safety. In the most serious cases, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft could lead to criminal charges, with potential penalties escalating to substantial fines and imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft.