AD/PA-32/31 - Automatic Pilot Servo Roll Shear Pin - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within the country. This piece of legislation addresses gaps and problems related to the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft, ensuring that they meet specific safety standards. The particular legislative instrument F2006B05826 focuses on the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, with the aim of ensuring compliance with airworthiness directives for these aircraft. The policy objective of this regulation is to maintain high safety standards in the civil aviation sector by mandating specific maintenance actions for aircraft components, such as the installation of an automatic pilot servo roll shear pin for the specified models. Compliance with these directives is crucial to prevent potential hazards that could compromise the safety of flights.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses airworthiness directives for various aircraft, with AD/PA-32/31 focusing on the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models equipped with the Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot AK175, as identified by either Piper SL No. 695 or Edo-Aire Mitchell SL ML38. The requirement to install an automatic pilot servo roll shear pin must be met within 200 hours of time in service following 30 September 1974. The regulations apply at the national level, impacting all operators of the specified aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, indicating that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the directive. The regulations may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, ensuring ongoing compliance and safety within the civil aviation sector.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39, section 105, include specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) for various aircraft types, with AD/PA-32/31 focusing on the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes (39-105). This directive mandates the installation of an automatic pilot servo roll shear pin in models equipped with the Edo-Aire Mitchell Automatic Pilot AK175 (39-105). The applicability of this directive is determined by the specific service letters: Piper SL No. 695 or Edo-Aire Mitchell SL ML38. Compliance with this directive is required within 200 hours of time in service after 30 September 1974. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and straightforward. Owners and operators of Piper PA-32 Series Aeroplanes fitted with the specified automatic pilot must ensure that the automatic pilot servo roll shear pin is installed as per the directive's requirements. This involves verifying that the appropriate service letters are referenced and that the installation is carried out within the specified timeframe. Failure to adhere to these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, thereby preventing its operation until the directive is complied with. In terms of enforcement and consequences, breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations, including non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives, are subject to stringent measures. The regulations provide for both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, with the exact amount determined by the severity of the breach and regulatory guidelines. In cases where the breach is more severe or involves willful disregard of safety regulations, criminal penalties may apply. These can include substantial fines and, in some instances, imprisonment. The maximum penalties are detailed within the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, ensuring that there are clear disincentives for non-compliance with safety directives.