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-31/87 Electroluminescent Panel Inverters 12/79
Applicability: Models PA-31T1 Cheyenne I S/Nos. 31T-7804001 to 31-7904016, and PA-31T1 Cheyenne/Cheyenne II S/Nos. 31T-7400002 to 31T-7920036.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Piper SB No. 640.
Note: (FAA AD 79-19-09 Amdt. 39-3560 refers).
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 December 1979.
Background: There have been a number of cases overseas where shorting has occurred in the electroluminescent panel inverters resulting in smoke in the cockpit.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which are critical in maintaining the safety standards of aircraft operating within the country. The Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/87 addresses a specific issue with the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, namely the electroluminescent panel inverters. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of cockpit smoke due to shorting in these inverters, as evidenced by overseas incidents. The requirement is that the action be taken in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 640, with compliance needed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1979. The directive reflects a commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that identified hazards are promptly addressed.
The problem the legislation seeks to address is the safety risk posed by electroluminescent panel inverters in Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, which had caused cockpit smoke incidents overseas. By mandating specific actions to be taken by aircraft operators in accordance with Piper's Service Bulletin No. 640, the directive aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in Australian airspace. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols to protect both crew and passengers. The enactment of this directive by CASA exemplifies the ongoing effort to enhance aviation safety through regulatory compliance and proactive hazard management.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety directives for Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, focusing on electroluminescent panel inverters. This regulation applies to models PA-31T1 Cheyenne I with serial numbers ranging from 31T-7804001 to 31T-7904016 and PA-31T1 Cheyenne/Cheyenne II with serial numbers from 31T-7400002 to 31T-7920036. The requirement mandates compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 640, referencing FAA AD 79-19-09 Amendment 39-3560. The directive mandates corrective action within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1979, reflecting the urgency to address potential safety issues such as shorting in the electroluminescent panel inverters, which could lead to smoke in the cockpit. This regulation is enforced nationally and is integral to ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models within Australian airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandates certain actions to be taken in relation to Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes to ensure safety. Section 39-105 of the AD/PA-31/87 is applicable to Piper PA-31T1 Cheyenne I and Cheyenne II models with specified serial numbers. The directive requires compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 640. The compliance deadline is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1979. This directive stems from incidents overseas where electroluminescent panel inverters shorted, causing smoke in the cockpit.
The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily on the owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-31 aeroplanes. They must ensure that the actions outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 640 are undertaken to address the identified safety issue. This involves inspecting and potentially modifying the electroluminescent panel inverters to prevent shorting and the resultant smoke in the cockpit. The onus is on the operator to adhere to the compliance timeline to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the requirements of the AD/PA-31/87 can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against the operator or owner if the aeroplane is found not to comply with the directive. This could include grounding the aircraft until the necessary actions are completed. Non-compliance may also result in civil penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The specific consequences and penalties are not detailed in the AD itself but are governed by broader aviation safety legislation and enforcement guidelines.
In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose specific safety requirements on certain Piper PA-31 aeroplanes to mitigate the risk of electroluminescent panel inverters causing smoke in the cockpit. Operators and owners must take action in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 640 within a specified timeframe. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by CASA and potential civil penalties, underscoring the importance of adhering to these safety directives to ensure the continued safe operation of the aircraft.