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-31/92 Elevator Balance Weight 9/80
Applicability: All models PA-31 & PA31-325 with S/Nos. 31-7401201 to 31-8012076; All models PA-31-350 with S/Nos. 31-7405401 to 31-8052172.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Piper SB No. 690.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, within 100 hours time in service after 30 September 1980.
Background: The manufacturer has advised that some of the referenced aeroplanes may have been fitted with incorrect elevator balance weights.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. These regulations, particularly PART 39 - 105, focus on establishing airworthiness directives that address safety concerns with specific aircraft models. One such directive is AD/PA-31/92, which concerns the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the issue of elevator balance weights. The directive was introduced to ensure that aeroplanes of the specified models and serial numbers are fitted with the correct elevator balance weights, as some may have been incorrectly installed, posing a potential safety risk. The policy objective behind this directive is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation operations by mandating corrective actions as specified by the manufacturer, in this case, Piper SB No. 690.
The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1980, ensuring that affected aeroplanes are brought up to the necessary safety standards in a timely manner. This legislative instrument reflects the commitment of the Australian government to uphold stringent aviation safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the nation's civil aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, including models PA-31 and PA-31-325 with serial numbers ranging from 31-7401201 to 31-8012076, and models PA-31-350 with serial numbers from 31-7405401 to 31-8052172. This regulation mandates action in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 690, which addresses the issue of potentially incorrect elevator balance weights. The requirement for compliance must be met unless it has already been fulfilled, within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1980. The regulation's scope is limited to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, ensuring that the appropriate corrective measures are implemented to maintain safety standards. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and its application may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-31/92 concerning the Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, are essential for ensuring the safe operation of these aircraft. Section 39-105 of the regulation mandates action in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 690 to address potential issues with elevator balance weights in certain models of Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes. Specifically, this directive applies to all models PA-31 and PA-31-325 with serial numbers ranging from 31-7401201 to 31-8012076 and all models PA-31-350 with serial numbers from 31-7405401 to 31-8052172. The requirement outlined in this directive is to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 September 1980, unless the action has already been accomplished.
The obligations imposed by this regulation on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes must ensure that the necessary corrective action as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 690 is carried out. This involves inspecting and potentially replacing the elevator balance weights to rectify any inaccuracies that could compromise the aircraft's safety and performance. The responsibility lies with the aircraft operator to ensure that this directive is adhered to within the specified timeframe, which is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aeroplanes.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. While the regulation does not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance, the overarching Civil Aviation Act 1988 outlines potential civil and criminal penalties for breaches of safety regulations. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, potential grounding of the aircraft, and criminal charges against the operator. These penalties serve as a deterrent to ensure that all necessary safety measures are strictly followed to prevent any risk to flight safety.