AD/PA-31/72 - Landing Gear Actuating Cylinder Rod End Bearing Assembly - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the scheduling of airworthiness directives that ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, this legislation aims to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by providing detailed directives for aircraft maintenance and operation. This particular regulation, AD/PA-31/72, pertains to Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of the landing gear actuating cylinder rod end bearing assembly for certain model numbers. The directive was introduced to address potential safety concerns associated with the specified components, ensuring compliance within a stipulated timeframe to mitigate any risks that could compromise the aircraft's operational safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically Part 39 - 105 AD/PA-31/72, pertains to the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, and more narrowly, to the landing gear actuating cylinder rod end bearing assembly inspection for certain models. The directive applies to Piper PA-31T aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 31T-7400002 to 31T-7820077, and PA-31T1 aeroplanes with serial numbers from 31T-7804001 to 31T-7804006. This means that the specified inspection requirement is mandatory for these particular models within the identified serial number ranges. The directive mandates that compliance with the specified inspection be conducted within 25 hours of time in service after the date of issue, 16 October 1978. This legislative instrument, being part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, has a Commonwealth reach, governing aviation safety standards across Australia and ensuring that these standards are uniformly applied and enforced.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically concerning the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes and the landing gear actuating cylinder rod end bearing assembly inspection, are outlined in AD/PA-31/72 (1). This directive mandates that specific models of the Piper PA-31T and PA-31T1 series with particular serial numbers must undergo an inspection of their landing gear actuating cylinder rod end bearing assembly. The directive specifies that this inspection must be completed within 25 hours of time in service following 16 October 1978, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 570A. In terms of obligations and requirements, the Act imposes a clear timeline for compliance on the owners or operators of the specified Piper PA-31T and PA-31T1 aeroplanes. They must ensure that the landing gear actuating cylinder rod end bearing assembly is inspected within the stipulated 25 hours of time in service after the effective date of 16 October 1978. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the aeroplane not being deemed airworthy, potentially leading to operational restrictions or prohibitions. The consequences of non-compliance with AD/PA-31/72 (2) are significant. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can result in serious civil and criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). The severity of these penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts based on the specific circumstances of the case, but the overarching aim is to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.