AD/PA-32/30 - Stall Warning Light - Relocation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, form the principal legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 focuses on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which are critical in maintaining the safety standards of aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/PA-32/30, addresses the relocation of the stall warning light on Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers within the specified range. This directive was introduced to enhance flight safety by ensuring the stall warning light is positioned for optimal visibility, thereby reducing the risk of accidents associated with flight stalls. The policy objective underpinning this regulation is to mandate compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1974, as documented in Piper Service Bulletin No. 403.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, namely the model PA32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-7300001 to 32-7300024, and model PA32-300 with serial numbers from 32-7340001 to 32-7340081. This legislation mandates compliance with the directive concerning the relocation of the stall warning light, as detailed in AD/PA-32/30. Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 31 July 1974. The scope of this legislation is limited to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, and it applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing safety standards set by CASA. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in this particular directive, and compliance must be strictly adhered to by the relevant aircraft operators and owners.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, focus on the Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/PA-32/30 addresses the requirement for relocating the stall warning light on certain model PA32-260 and PA32-300 aeroplanes. These directives are critical for ensuring that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, and compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1974, as outlined in Piper SB No. 403. The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations are clear and specific. Aircraft owners or operators must ensure that the stall warning light is relocated as per the directive for the specified serial numbers. This means that for model PA32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-7300001 to 32-7300024, and for model PA32-300 with serial numbers ranging from 32-7340001 to 32-7340081, the relocation must be completed. This directive is intended to enhance flight safety by ensuring that the stall warning system is more effectively monitored and responded to during flight operations. Breaching these directives can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with the Airworthiness Directives can lead to penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. While the specific maximum penalties are not detailed within this directive, the potential for enforcement actions under civil aviation laws implies that significant fines and operational restrictions may be imposed. Additionally, failure to adhere to these safety mandates can lead to criminal charges if the breach is deemed to have endangered public safety. It is therefore imperative that all relevant parties strictly adhere to the requirements set forth in these regulations.