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-31/81 Heater Fuel Drain Hose - Modification 7/79
Applicability: Models PA-31, PA-31-300 and PA-31-325 with S/Nos. 31-2 to 31-7912036. PA-31- 350 with S/Nos. 31-5001 to 31-7952061.
Document: Piper SB No. 641.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 July 1979.
Background: Deterioration of the cabin heater fuel regulator drain hose through contact with the heater air distribution box will allow any leaking fuel to drip onto the heater exhaust and create a fire hazard.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include an airworthiness directive concerning Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to address the safety concern of fuel leaks in the cabin heater system of certain Piper PA-31 models, which posed a fire hazard. The directive, AD/PA-31/81, mandates a modification to the heater fuel drain hose for applicable aircraft models and serial numbers, as specified in the legislation. The directive was enacted to ensure compliance with safety standards and to mitigate risks associated with potential fire hazards caused by fuel leaks. This legislative instrument was created by the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The policy objective behind AD/PA-31/81 is to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes by requiring the modification of the heater fuel drain hose. The directive applies to models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350 with specific serial numbers, as outlined in the legislation. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 July 1979. The directive references Piper SB No. 641, which provides further information on the required modification to address the safety issue.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, encompassing models PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350, which must meet particular serial number ranges as outlined. This regulation mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/81 concerning the modification of the heater fuel drain hose to mitigate fire hazards. The directive applies nationwide, governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, thereby affecting all aircraft registered and operated within Australia. Compliance with the directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 31 July 1979, ensuring that affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards to prevent deterioration of the cabin heater fuel regulator drain hose that could otherwise lead to a fire hazard.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39 - 105, contain the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) which are binding rules for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Specifically, AD/PA-31/81 pertains to Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, addressing the issue of the heater fuel drain hose. This directive is crucial for maintaining the safety of the aircraft by preventing potential fire hazards due to fuel leaks. The affected models include the PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, and PA-31-350 with specified serial numbers. The compliance requirement is clear: the modifications must be made within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1979, as outlined in Piper SB No. 641.
These regulations impose specific obligations on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers. Primarily, they must ensure that the heater fuel drain hose is modified as per the directive to prevent any risk of fuel leaking and potentially causing a fire. This involves inspecting the current condition of the hose, verifying its serial number falls within the specified range, and then undertaking the necessary modifications. It is imperative that these modifications are logged and certified, providing evidence of compliance with the regulatory requirements.
Failure to comply with AD/PA-31/81 can result in serious consequences. The primary focus of the legislation is on safety, and non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in significant civil or criminal penalties. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges for those responsible, which could lead to imprisonment. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
The directive also likely includes provisions for enforcement and oversight by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). CASA has the authority to conduct inspections, audits, and investigations to ensure compliance with the AD. They may issue notices, orders, or take legal action against non-compliant operators. This enforcement mechanism is essential to maintaining the high safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Ensuring compliance not only protects the safety of the aircraft but also upholds the regulatory framework designed to prevent accidents and incidents in civil aviation.