AD/PA-32/12 - Brake Disc - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established by the Australian Parliament, encompass a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. Among the various parts and amendments, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which are critical in maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-32/12, specifically targets Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, mandating the replacement of brake discs for models with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-623. This directive responds to safety concerns identified in the original equipment and aims to mitigate risks associated with the aircraft's braking system, ensuring compliance with established safety standards. The policy objective is to enhance the overall safety of civil aviation by addressing specific mechanical issues that could compromise the integrity of the aircraft during operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, addresses airworthiness directives pertinent to various aircraft. The particular legislative instrument F2006B05806 pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, and the directive AD/PA-32/12 focuses on the replacement of brake discs. This applies to all model PA-32 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-623, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 233. The directive mandates compliance prior to 1 October 1968, ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness standards. The scope of this legislation is confined to the outlined aircraft models and the specific modification requirement, without detailing broader jurisdictional reach or exclusions beyond what is explicitly stated.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the AD/PA-32/12 require the replacement of brake discs on all Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-623 (section 1). This is to ensure the safety of the aircraft, particularly focusing on the braking system, which is critical for the safe operation of the aeroplane. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 1 October 1968, as stipulated in the document Piper SB No. 233 (section 2). The directive mandates that the replacement must meet specific criteria detailed in the Piper Service Bulletin No. 233 to ensure the new brake discs meet the necessary safety standards. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties or entities it governs. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-32 aeroplanes must ensure that the brake disc replacement is carried out by a certified maintenance organisation or individual with the necessary qualifications and approvals (section 3). They must also maintain records of the replacement work, including documentation that the new brake discs meet the specifications outlined in Piper SB No. 233. These records must be kept for a period of at least three years from the date of compliance (section 4). Furthermore, the Act requires that the aircraft is not flown until the brake disc replacement has been completed and inspected by an authorised person. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-32/12 can result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance can lead to civil penalties, including fines and potential prosecution (section 5). The maximum penalty for non-compliance can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of the safety directive. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance can also result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, which would prevent the aeroplane from being legally operated until the issue is rectified. These stringent measures are in place to ensure that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and to protect the public from potential hazards arising from non-compliance.