AD/PA-31/73 - Elevator Cable - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, serve as a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B05778, pertains to the Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting the elevator cable through Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/73. This directive was introduced to address potential safety issues associated with the elevator cable on Piper PA-31 models, aiming to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. The policy objective behind this directive is to mandate inspections and necessary modifications to prevent potential failures that could compromise flight safety. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service following the specified date, 15 November 1978, ensuring that all relevant aircraft meet the necessary safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, applies Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. The AD/PA-31/73 pertains to the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, targeting all models PA-31-350 with serial numbers (S/Nos) ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7852151. This directive mandates that an inspection and modification of the elevator cable must be carried out. The directive requires compliance within the next 25 hours of time in service following 15 November 1978, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 621. The regulation applies to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, and there are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the text itself. CASA may extend or restrict the application of this directive through subordinate instruments, which are not detailed in the provided text but are referenced as part of the regulatory framework.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, contain various Airworthiness Directives (ADs) designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-31/73, pertains to Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes and mandates specific actions regarding the elevator cable. According to Section 12/78, this directive applies to all models of the PA-31-350 series with serial numbers ranging from 31-5001 to 31-7852151. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 621 as the document detailing the necessary compliance measures. Compliance with AD/PA-31/73 requires that the specified Piper PA-31-350 series aeroplanes undergo an inspection and, if necessary, modification of their elevator cables. This action must be completed within the next 25 hours of time in service after 15 November 1978. The directive is clear in its requirement for prompt action to address any potential safety issues related to the elevator cables of these aeroplanes. The obligations imposed by this directive are significant for operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the inspection and any required modifications are performed by qualified personnel and that the aircraft is not operated until compliance is achieved. Failure to adhere to the timeframe and requirements of AD/PA-31/73 can result in serious safety implications and potential legal consequences. Breaching the provisions of AD/PA-31/73 can have serious ramifications. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and may impose penalties on non-compliant operators. Under Section 91 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, CASA can issue fines and take legal action against individuals or corporations that fail to comply with airworthiness directives. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can be substantial, both financially and in terms of operational disruption. It is essential for all parties involved to take the directive seriously and ensure full compliance to avoid these consequences.