AD/PA-32/26 - Stabilator - Inspection and Drilling of Drain Holes

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislative instrument, F2006B05820, was enacted to ensure that all civil aviation activities within Australia comply with stringent safety standards. The directive AD/PA-32/26, relating to Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, is one such measure aimed at addressing the specific safety concerns associated with the stabilator of the mentioned aircraft models. This directive was introduced to rectify potential issues that could arise from the stabilator, ensuring continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. The policy objective of this regulation, as outlined in the directive, is to mandate regular inspections and necessary modifications, such as drilling of drain holes, to prevent structural failures that could compromise flight safety. The directive applies to the PA-32-260 and PA-32-300 models and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with this particular directive focusing on the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to the specific models PA-32-260 and PA-32-300, as identified by Piper SL No. 615. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972. This regulation is applicable to any aircraft fitting the specified models and serial numbers, ensuring that these aircraft meet certain safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive is issued under the Commonwealth of Australia and thus has a national jurisdictional reach, affecting operators and owners of these aircraft across Australia. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified within this directive, and it is expected that compliance is strictly enforced as per the stipulated timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 105, include specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that govern the maintenance and operation of various aircraft types, including the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. The specific AD in focus here, AD/PA-32/26, pertains to the stabilator of the PA-32-260 and PA-32-300 models. The directive applies to aircraft with a Piper serial number (SL) of 615 and mandates that the stabilator inspection and the drilling of drain holes be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 29 September 1972. This requirement ensures that the stabilator, which is a critical part of the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer, is free from issues that could affect flight safety. The obligations under this directive are clear and specific. Owners and operators of the affected Piper PA-32 models must ensure that the stabilator inspection and drain hole drilling are conducted as per the directive. This involves a thorough examination of the stabilator to check for any signs of wear, damage, or other issues that could compromise its function. Additionally, the installation of drain holes is essential to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which could lead to structural problems over time. Compliance with these requirements is necessary to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure safe operation. Failure to comply with the AD/PA-32/26 directive can lead to significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance, and non-compliance can result in severe penalties. In the event of an inspection revealing that the stabilator has not been properly inspected or that the drain holes have not been drilled, CASA can take enforcement actions against the aircraft operator. This may include grounding the aircraft until the necessary maintenance is completed, imposing fines, or even pursuing legal action against the operator. The potential penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to avoid compromising the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. In summary, AD/PA-32/26 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 requires that the stabilator of the Piper PA-32-260 and PA-32-300 models with specific serial numbers be inspected and have drain holes drilled within 100 hours of service after 29 September 1972. Operators must ensure compliance with these directives to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. Non-compliance can lead to serious enforcement actions, including fines and the potential grounding of the aircraft, highlighting the critical nature of these safety measures.