AD/PA-32/17 Amdt 4 - Control Wheel - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include specific directives aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft. The legislative instrument F2006B05810, which pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, is an example of such regulations. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation addresses the critical issue of ensuring the safety of aircraft by specifying detailed inspection requirements for certain components. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation by preventing mechanical failures that could compromise the safety of flights. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the prescribed inspection intervals can result in severe penalties. The regulations are overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which enforces these provisions to uphold the integrity and safety of Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to all model PA-32 Piper Cherokee Six series aeroplanes equipped with plastic control wheels as outlined in Piper SL 527D. This legislative instrument mandates an inspection protocol for the control wheel hubs to detect any cracks that could compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The requirement extends to inspecting the control wheel hubs within 25 hours of time in service following 30 November 1978, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the control wheel is replaced in line with Piper SL 527D. This directive ensures the safety of the aircraft and its occupants by mandating a rigorous inspection process that involves cleaning the hub with detergent and water, and using an inspection light and magnifying glass to scrutinise specific areas of the hub for cracks. The legislation is applicable on a national level under the Commonwealth of Australia and operates through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. It does not specify any exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself, though broader exemptions may apply under other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The application of this directive may be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/PA-32/17 Amendment 4, focus on the inspection requirements for the control wheel hubs of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes fitted with plastic control wheels. According to section 1, the requirement is to inspect the control wheel hubs for cracks, which may propagate from the edge or bore of the retaining pin hole. This inspection must be performed using a specified method involving cleaning the hub with detergent and water, and inspecting the surface area with an inspection light and a magnifying glass. If cracks are detected, the control wheel must be replaced before further flight. This inspection must be conducted unless it has been previously completed, within 25 hours of service after 30 November 1978, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service until the control wheel is replaced as per Piper SL 527D. The obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by these regulations include ensuring that the control wheel hubs of applicable Piper PA-32 aeroplanes are inspected for cracks within the stipulated time intervals. This entails adhering to the detailed inspection method provided, which includes cleaning the hub with an ordinary detergent and water, and using an inspection light and magnifying glass to check for cracks. Any detected cracks must lead to the replacement of the control wheel. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory, and failure to do so may result in non-compliance with aviation safety standards. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with aviation safety regulations generally results in civil and criminal penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Civil penalties may include fines up to $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. Criminal penalties could include imprisonment, reflecting the importance of adhering to these safety directives to prevent potential hazards in aviation operations.