AD/PA-31/80 - Elevator Control Stop - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument, specifically part 39 - 105, focuses on the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. The directive AD/PA-31/80 was introduced to address a safety issue identified with the elevator control stop adjusting screw and locknut of the specified Piper PA-31 models, where loosening and backing out could restrict elevator control travel. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate potential risks to flight safety by requiring a thorough inspection of the affected components within a defined timeframe post-manufacture, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enhancing overall aviation safety. The Australian Parliament enacted this legislation to maintain high standards of safety in civil aviation, and it is part of a broader regulatory framework designed to address specific safety concerns that arise from operational experiences and manufacturer reports. By mandating the inspection of elevator control stop components within a set period, the regulations aim to prevent incidents that could compromise the safety of air travel, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public. This directive reflects the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to proactive safety management and its role in enforcing compliance with safety directives issued for the protection of the flying public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses airworthiness directives, with a particular focus on Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. The regulation applies to all models PA-31, PA-31-300, and PA-31-325 with serial numbers ranging from 31-5 to 31-7912049, and to all model PA-31-350 with serial numbers from 31-5001 to 31-7952091. The scope of this legislation extends to mandating a compliance inspection of the elevator control stop, ensuring that the adjusting screw and locknut are properly secured to prevent any loosening that could impair elevator control travel. This inspection must be conducted within the next 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1979. The directive was prompted by a reported incident where the elevator control stop adjusting screw and locknut were found to be loose, thereby restricting the elevator control travel. The jurisdictional reach of this regulation is national, given it is a Commonwealth legislation governing aviation safety across Australia. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned within the text, and any further application or restrictions would be detailed in subordinate instruments or further notices from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Under this regulation, AD/PA-31/80 pertains to the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes and mandates an inspection of the elevator control stop (section 6/79). This directive applies to all models of the PA-31 series, including PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350, within specific serial number ranges. The directive references Piper SB No. 649 and requires compliance within the next 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1979. Operators and owners of the specified Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes must ensure that the elevator control stop is inspected for any signs of the adjusting screw and locknut being loose and backing out. This inspection is crucial as it addresses an issue that can lead to restricted elevator control travel, potentially compromising flight safety. The requirement to comply within the specified timeframe is intended to ensure that any identified issues are promptly addressed to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with AD/PA-31/80 can result in significant legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations outline various penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. These penalties may include fines, aircraft grounding, and potential criminal charges against individuals responsible for the oversight. The exact penalties can vary based on the severity of the breach and are determined in accordance with relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and other associated regulations. Operators found in breach of these requirements may face maximum penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment, highlighting the importance of adhering to the stipulated compliance deadlines and inspection protocols.