AD/PA-32/21 - Seat Belt Attachment - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation safety within Australia. Part 39, specifically, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which are mandatory instructions issued to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft. The Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-32/21, which mandates modifications to the seat belt attachment, was introduced to address specific safety concerns identified with certain models of the Piper PA-32 aircraft. This directive applies to a range of serial numbers for different model variants of the Piper PA-32, ensuring that the aircraft maintain their airworthiness through compliance with these safety requirements. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of air travel by enforcing modifications that mitigate identified risks, thereby protecting passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the maintenance and operational standards of civil aircraft within Australia. This regulation mandates that certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, identified by their specific serial numbers, must comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-32/21 concerning modifications to the seat belt attachment. This directive applies to all model PA-32-260 and PA-32-300, as well as PA-32S-300 aeroplanes listed by their serial numbers. The requirement for compliance must be met within 100 hours of time in service following 31 May 1971. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and extends across all jurisdictions within Australia, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards for continued operation. The directive does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, indicating that all qualifying aircraft must adhere to the specified modifications.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. The directive AD/PA-32/21 pertains to a modification required for the seat belt attachments (Section 5/71). This directive applies to all model PA-32-260 aeroplanes with specific serial numbers (S/Nos. 32-04, 32-1 to 32-14, 32-16 to 32-20, 32-22 to 32-1075, 32-1111 to 32-1194, 32-1251 to 32-1283, 32-1285 to 32-1287, 32-1289, 32-1291 to 32-1295, 32-1297, 32-7100001 to 32-7100005), and all model PA-32-300 and PA-32S-300 aeroplanes with specified serial numbers (S/Nos. 32-15, 32-21, 32-40000 to 32-40545, 32-40566 to 32-40777, 32-40851 to 32-40956, 32-40959 to 32-40974, 32-7140001 to 32-7140008, 3207140011, 32-7140012). Compliance with this directive must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971. The obligations imposed by this directive require the modification of seat belt attachments in the specified Piper PA-32 aeroplanes. This modification is mandated to ensure the safety of passengers during flight. The directive specifies that Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 329A must be followed to ensure the modifications are correctly implemented. It is the responsibility of the aircraft owner or operator to ensure that these modifications are completed within the specified timeframe, which is within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1971. Failure to comply with this directive can result in serious safety risks and potential legal consequences. The consequences for non-compliance with the seat belt modification directive are severe. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not specify the exact civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance in this context, but non-compliance can result in the aircraft being grounded or denied flight clearance. Such actions can lead to significant operational disruptions and financial losses for the aircraft owner or operator. Additionally, there may be civil penalties imposed by CASA, including fines or other regulatory actions. In extreme cases, non-compliance could lead to criminal charges if it is deemed that the failure to comply has led to a safety incident or endangers flight safety. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance and any resultant harm or risk.