COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-32/32 Outer Wing Spar - Inspection 10/74
Applicability: All models PA32-260 with S/Nos. 32-7400001 to 32-7400047, and PA-32-300 with S/Nos. 32-7440001 to 32-7440147.
Requirement: 1. To detect improperly formed lightening holes in the outer wing spars, accomplish the following:
(a) Remove the inspection plate located adjacent to the aileron bellcrank on the lower surface of the wing.
(b) Inspect both side of LH and RH spar around teh first lightening hole outboard of the fish mouth of the main spar splice for evidence of a die stamping mark approximately six by six inches square surrounding the lightening hole area.
(c) Inspect the lightening hole flange radius for cracks.
2. If square die stamping mark is evident on the aft side of spar only and there are no cracks in the lightening hole flange radii, no further action is required.
3. If square die stamping mark is evident on forward side of spar and/or if there are cracks in the lightening hole flange, replace the outboard spar with a serviceable spar of the same P/N or repair in accordance with a scheme approved by the Secretary.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 17 September 1974.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, address the regulation and safety standards for civil aviation in the country. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aims to ensure that aircraft are maintained to a high standard of airworthiness. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes mandatory safety requirements for specific aircraft models, such as the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. The objective of these directives is to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of aircraft by addressing known issues and mandating specific inspections and repairs. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B05827, focuses on the inspection and potential replacement of outer wing spars in certain PA-32 models to address improperly formed lightening holes and associated structural integrity concerns.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates specific inspection and maintenance requirements for the outer wing spars of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, particularly for models PA32-260 and PA-32-300 within certain serial number ranges. This regulation applies to aircraft operators who own or operate these particular models, and it extends to any entity or individual involved in the maintenance or servicing of these aircraft. The directive requires thorough inspections to detect improperly formed lightening holes and associated structural integrity issues in the outer wing spars of the specified aircraft models. It encompasses the conduct and transactions related to the maintenance and airworthiness certification of these aircraft, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by CASA. The regulation is nationally applicable within Australia and does not specify exclusions or exemptions within the provided text, although it may be subject to extensions or modifications through subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, mandate the inspection of outer wing spars in certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. The key provision is found in AD/PA-32/32 (10/74) which focuses on the inspection of the outer wing spars for models PA32-260 and PA-32-300 with specific serial numbers (section 1). The primary requirement is to inspect the wing spars for any improperly formed lightening holes and ensure the lightening hole flange radius is free from cracks. This involves removing the inspection plate adjacent to the aileron bellcrank on the lower surface of the wing and conducting a detailed inspection of the spars (section 1(a) and 1(b)). If a square die stamping mark is found on the aft side of the spar and there are no cracks in the flange radii, no further action is required. However, if the die stamping mark is on the forward side of the spar or if there are cracks in the flange, the spar must be replaced with a serviceable one or repaired according to an approved scheme (section 1(c) and 1(d)).
The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, including aircraft owners and operators. They are required to ensure that the inspection and any necessary repairs are conducted within 100 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 17 September 1974 (section Compliance). The compliance period is critical, and failure to adhere to this timeframe could potentially compromise the safety of the aircraft. The inspection must be thorough and performed by qualified personnel who understand the requirements and can accurately assess the condition of the wing spars.
Failure to comply with the directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations can result in serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state penalties within the provided text, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Potential penalties include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the severity of the non-compliance, but they could include substantial financial penalties and potential imprisonment for those responsible.