AD/PA-31/64 - Fuel Selector Lever Assemblies - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were designed to address the need for comprehensive and enforceable regulations to ensure safety and efficiency in civil aviation. One of the key aspects of these regulations is the scheduling of Airworthiness Directives, such as AD/PA-31/64, which pertains specifically to the inspection of fuel selector lever assemblies in Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to ensure the continued airworthiness of specific models of Piper PA-31 and PA-31-325 aeroplanes, aiming to prevent potential safety issues related to the fuel selector lever assemblies. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards in the aviation sector by mandating regular inspections and ensuring that aircraft remain in a condition that meets regulatory safety requirements. The enactment of these regulations by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 is a critical step in achieving the overarching goal of maintaining and enhancing aviation safety. By specifying detailed requirements for the inspection of components such as fuel selector lever assemblies, the regulations help to mitigate risks associated with mechanical failures and ensure the continued safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. The directives are integral to the framework that ensures aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance personnel adhere to stringent safety standards, thereby protecting the public and enhancing the overall reliability of civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, establish the requirements for the airworthiness of aircraft operated in Australia. The scope of the legislation includes all aircraft registered in Australia and those operated by Australian citizens or entities, ensuring that these aircraft meet specific safety standards. The regulations are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and they apply to the entire Commonwealth of Australia. One particular aspect of these regulations is addressed in AD/PA-31/64, which pertains to Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive mandates that certain models of the Piper PA-31 and PA-31-325 with specified serial numbers undergo an inspection of their fuel selector lever assemblies. Compliance with this directive is required within 10 hours of time in service following 6 March 1978. The directive applies to aeroplanes that fall within the specified serial number ranges, ensuring that the identified models meet the necessary safety standards to maintain their airworthiness. The regulation extends to any aircraft operator who owns or operates these specific models in Australia, with no stated exclusions or exemptions in the directive itself, although broader exemptions may apply under other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) include specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australia. AD/PA-31/64 (part 39 - 105) pertains to Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, specifically models PA-31 and PA-31-325 with serial numbers within a specified range. This directive mandates an inspection of the fuel selector lever assemblies to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive applies to aeroplanes within the specified serial number range and requires compliance within 10 hours of time in service after 6 March 1978, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 592. The obligations under AD/PA-31/64 are primarily concerned with ensuring that the fuel selector lever assemblies are inspected for wear, damage, and proper operation. Operators of affected aircraft must ensure that these inspections are conducted by a certified mechanic or under the supervision of an appropriately licensed individual. Records of these inspections must be maintained and made available for review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request. This includes documenting any repairs or replacements that were made as a result of the inspection. Failure to comply with AD/PA-31/64 can result in significant legal and safety consequences. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) imposes penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Under section 62A of the Act, any person who fails to comply with an AD can be issued with a Civil Penalty Notice, which may result in a financial penalty of up to $22,200 for an individual and $111,000 for a body corporate. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. In severe cases, CASA may take enforcement action, which could include prosecution under the Act leading to criminal penalties, including fines of up to $275,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years for individuals, and higher penalties for corporate entities. The directive also provides that CASA may inspect aircraft to verify compliance with AD/PA-31/64. If an inspector finds non-compliance during such an inspection, they have the authority to require immediate corrective action or to issue a notice directing the operator to take specific steps to achieve compliance. Continuous failure to comply with airworthiness directives can lead to more stringent enforcement actions, including the potential revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, which would prohibit the aircraft from flying until all issues are resolved.