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-31/70 Elevator Outboard Hinge Bracket Rivets - Replacement
8/78
Applicability: All models PA-31 and PA-31-325 with S/Nos. 31-7612040 to 31-7812055. All model PA-31-350 with S/Nos. 31-7652071 to 31-7852057.
Document: Piper SB No. 595.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 19 July 1978.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form the foundation of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation in the country. Part 39 of these regulations, specifically, addresses the safety standards and requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft, including the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations and ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. One such AD, AD/PA-31/70, pertains to the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the replacement of elevator outboard hinge bracket rivets. This directive was introduced to address the identified problem of potential structural failure in the specified models, ensuring the safety of these aircraft through timely compliance. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating regular inspections and maintenance actions that mitigate identified risks.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, address the safety directives concerning Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, which include all models PA-31 and PA-31-325 with specific serial numbers ranging from 31-7612040 to 31-7812055, and model PA-31-350 with serial numbers from 31-7652071 to 31-7852057. This legislation applies to aircraft operators and maintenance personnel who must ensure compliance with the airworthiness directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule. The regulation mandates that the compliance, which involves replacing the elevator outboard hinge bracket rivets, must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 19 July 1978. This regulation operates under the overarching authority of the Commonwealth of Australia and extends its jurisdictional reach to all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number ranges operating in Australian airspace. No exclusions or exemptions are explicitly mentioned in the text, implying that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the directive. Subordinate instruments or additional regulations may further extend or clarify the application of these directives.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that pertain to various aircraft models, including the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. One such directive is AD/PA-31/70, which addresses the replacement of elevator outboard hinge bracket rivets (sections 105.010 to 105.030). This directive applies to all models of the PA-31 and PA-31-325 series with specific serial numbers ranging from 31-7612040 to 31-7812055, as well as all PA-31-350 models with serial numbers from 31-7652071 to 31-7852057. The directive mandates that the replacement of these rivets must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 19 July 1978, as detailed in Piper SB No. 595.
The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are clear and specific. Owners or operators of the affected Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes must ensure that the rivet replacement is carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This requirement is intended to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft, ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards. The directive does not specify the method of replacement but requires adherence to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines as outlined in Piper SB No. 595.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can result in severe consequences. Section 105.040 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines the penalties for non-compliance, which can include substantial fines and, in some cases, criminal charges. The maximum penalties may vary depending on the severity of the breach, but they are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations. Such penalties underscore the importance of timely compliance to prevent any potential risks to flight safety.