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-31/91
Amdt 1
Outboard Flap Track Attachment 2/81
Applicability: All models PA-31 & PA-31-300 with S/Nos. 31-2 to 31-80102010; All models PA- 31-325 with S/Nos. 31-7512006 to 31-8012010; All models PA-31-350 with S/Nos. 31-5001 to to 31-8052025; All models PA-31P with S/Nos. 31P-1 to 31P-7730012; All models PA-31T with S/Nos. 31T-7400002 to 31T-8020086; All models PA-31T1 with S/Nos. 31T-7804001 to 31T-8104001.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Piper SB No. 647A.
Compliance: 1. Unless already accomplished inspect within 100 hours time in service after 12 January 1981 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service for the next succeeding 300 hours time in service and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service until modified.
2. Modify before 30 June 1981.
Background: Piper SB No. 647 Amendment “A” adds additional aeroplanes to applicability. This AD amendment also allows additional time for incorporation of terminating modification.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. The regulations are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and cover a wide range of areas, including the airworthiness of aircraft. One such airworthiness directive, AD/PA-31/91 Amendment 1, applies specifically to Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes. This directive addresses an identified problem related to the outboard flap track attachment on certain models, necessitating specific inspection and modification requirements to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that all civil aircraft operated in Australia meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting the public and enhancing the overall safety of the national airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) concerning the airworthiness of Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. The regulation applies to all models of the PA-31 series, including PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, PA-31T, and PA-31T1, within specified serial number ranges. The directive mandates inspections and modifications to the outboard flap track attachment, with specific timelines and intervals outlined to ensure compliance with safety standards. The regulation extends to all operators and owners of these aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby enforcing national standards across the industry. The scope of the regulation is limited to the models and serial numbers specified, and it does not extend to other aircraft types or those outside the given serial number ranges. Additionally, the regulation allows for modifications to be incorporated over a specified period, providing some flexibility to the operators in adhering to the safety directives.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, outlines the requirements for the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes under the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This directive, identified as AD/PA-31/91 Amendment 1, pertains to the outboard flap track attachment. It applies to all models of the PA-31 series, including PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31-325, PA-31-350, PA-31P, and PA-31T, with specific serial number ranges as noted in the directive. The action required is to follow Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 647A.
Compliance with this directive necessitates an inspection within 100 hours of time in service after 12 January 1981. Following the initial inspection, further inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service for the next 300 hours. After this period, inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service until the modification is completed. Additionally, the modification must be completed by 30 June 1981. The directive also acknowledges that Piper SB No. 647 Amendment “A” has expanded the applicability to include additional aeroplanes and has granted extra time for implementing the terminating modification.
Entities and individuals governed by this directive must ensure that the specified inspections and modifications are carried out in accordance with the stipulated timelines. This includes meticulous record-keeping and documentation to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to severe consequences, including potential grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are completed and compliance is verified.
Violating the provisions of this directive can result in various penalties. These may include fines, the imposition of civil penalties, or even criminal charges if the breach is deemed to have caused significant harm or risk to aviation safety. The specific penalties are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and can vary based on the severity and circumstances of the breach. The directive does not explicitly state maximum penalties, but CASA has the authority to impose substantial fines and other enforcement actions in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988.