AD/PA-32/11 - Wing Rear Spar Attach Bolts - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia, were amended to include a specific directive for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes through the Legislative instrument F2006B05805. This legislation, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, was established to address issues concerning the airworthiness of these specific aircraft models. The Act aims to ensure compliance with safety standards and enhance the overall safety of civil aviation in the country. The policy objective, as stated in the text, is to mandate an inspection of the wing rear spar attach bolts for these aircraft within 100 hours of time in service after 25 January 1968, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 261. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body, ensures adherence to these directives to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, mandating inspections of the wing rear spar attach bolts as stipulated in Piper Service Bulletin No. 261. This directive ensures compliance with airworthiness standards and safety regulations within the Australian aviation industry, focusing on aircraft maintenance and operational safety. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 25 January 1968, ensuring that the specified inspections are conducted in a timely manner to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The applicability of these regulations extends to all operators and owners of Piper PA-32 series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia, reinforcing the importance of adherence to established safety protocols. Subordinate instruments may further extend or detail the application of these directives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and enforcement of aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/PA-32/11, pertains to the inspection of wing rear spar attach bolts (paragraph 1/68). This directive applies to aircraft as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 261, which outlines the necessary compliance steps. The compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 25 January 1968. Entities and individuals governed by these regulations, such as aircraft operators and maintenance personnel, must adhere to the specified directives. For the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, this involves a thorough inspection of the wing rear spar attach bolts as detailed in the referenced service bulletin. The inspection ensures that these critical components are in good condition, maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. Non-compliance with these directives can compromise the safety of the flight and lead to severe repercussions. Breaching the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in various civil and criminal consequences. Operators or maintenance personnel who fail to comply with the airworthiness directives may face enforcement actions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions can include fines, penalties, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, with potential maximum penalties specified in the regulations. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial to avoid legal and safety ramifications.