AD/PA-31/69 - Fuel System Control Cables - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, represent a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B05773, is part of the broader regulatory scheme under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, and specifically addresses the airworthiness of Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this legislation aims to fill a critical gap in maintaining the structural integrity and operational safety of specified Piper aircraft models by mandating regular inspections of fuel system control cables. The policy objective is to prevent potential mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety, thereby protecting both the crew and passengers. The Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, including the PA31, PA31-300, PA31-325 Navajo, and PA31P, are subject to stringent oversight as outlined in the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/69. This directive requires that inspections of the fuel system control cables be performed within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after 31 July 1978, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours. Compliance with these regulations is to be evidenced by reference to Piper Service Bulletin No. 507 or the Federal Aviation Administration’s AD 77-26-02. By setting these clear and mandatory inspection intervals, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 reinforce the commitment to high safety standards in the operation of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses the application of airworthiness directives for aircraft, including the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to the PA31, PA31-300, and PA31-325 Navajo aircraft with serial numbers within the specified ranges, as well as the PA31P with its respective serial numbers. The directive mandates compliance with the safety measures outlined in either Piper Service Bulletin No. 507 or FAA Airworthiness Directive 77-26-02. These measures pertain to the inspection of fuel system control cables, which must be performed within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 31 July 1978, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is nationwide, applying across all states and territories within Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text provided, and the application of the directive is expected to be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) under Part 39 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This directive, identified as AD/PA-31/69, mandates a rigorous inspection protocol for fuel system control cables on certain Piper PA-31 models. The directive applies to the PA31, PA31-300, and PA31-325 Navajo aircraft with specific serial numbers and PA31P models with their respective serial numbers (section 1). The compliance requirements are clear: inspections must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service following 31 July 1978 and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours thereafter (section 7/78). Compliance with AD/PA-31/69 involves a detailed inspection of the fuel system control cables. The inspection must be carried out in accordance with either Piper Service Bulletin No. 507 or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AD 77-26-02 (section 1). This ensures that all relevant standards and procedures are uniformly applied across different jurisdictions, maintaining safety and consistency in aircraft maintenance practices. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that the inspections are meticulously recorded, and any necessary repairs or replacements are documented, as per the AD's stipulations. The obligations imposed by AD/PA-31/69 on the parties governed by this directive include ensuring that all required inspections are conducted on time and in accordance with the specified documentation. Aircraft operators, maintenance providers, and relevant personnel must be thoroughly familiar with the inspection procedures and standards set out in the Piper SB No. 507 and FAA AD 77-26-02. These obligations extend to ensuring that any discrepancies or issues identified during the inspection are promptly addressed, with appropriate corrective actions taken to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. Failure to comply with AD/PA-31/69 can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, CASA has the authority to enforce compliance through various means, including fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory actions. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the extent of the non-compliance and its impact on aviation safety. Operators and maintenance personnel must take these obligations seriously to avoid any legal repercussions and to ensure the continued safe operation of their aircraft.