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-32/38 Quick Disconnect Seat Retention Mechanism - Inspection
1/76
Applicability: Model PA32-260 with S/Nos. 32-01 to 32-7500002. Model PA-32-300 with S/Nos.
32-40001 to 32-7540028.
Document: Piper SL No. 763.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 January 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05833, address the need for ensuring the airworthiness of specific Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes through mandatory inspections. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation aims to maintain safety standards in civil aviation by requiring compliance with Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/PA-32/38, which mandates an inspection of the quick disconnect seat retention mechanism. The directive applies to Piper PA-32-260 models with serial numbers from 32-01 to 32-750000 and PA-32-300 models with serial numbers from 32-40001 to 32-7540028. Compliance with this directive must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 30 January 1976, as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 763, reinforcing the policy objective of ensuring aircraft safety through regular inspections.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which applies to certain aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia. For Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, the regulation mandates an inspection of the quick disconnect seat retention mechanism for model PA32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-01 to 32-750000 and model PA-32-300 with serial numbers from 32-40001 to 32-754002. This inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service following 30 January 1976, as detailed in Piper Service Letter No. 763. This directive aims to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these specific aircraft models by addressing potential issues with the seat retention mechanism, thereby applying to the relevant aircraft operators and maintenance personnel within Australia’s jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and operational standards for civil aviation in Australia. Under this part, a specific regulation, AD/PA-32/38, pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes and mandates an inspection of the quick disconnect seat retention mechanism (section 1/76). This applies to model PA32-260 with serial numbers 32-01 to 32-750000 and model PA-32-300 with serial numbers 32-40001 to 32-754002. The requirement is for compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 January 1976, as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 763.
For the entities and parties governed by this regulation, the obligations are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Piper PA-32 models must ensure that the quick disconnect seat retention mechanism is inspected within the stipulated timeframe. This inspection is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all occupants. The compliance must be documented and verified by a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer or equivalent professional authorised under the regulations. This requirement underscores the importance of regular maintenance and adherence to manufacturer-specific service bulletins to uphold safety standards.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/PA-32/38 can result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Depending on the severity and frequency of non-compliance, penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, or other regulatory sanctions. The specific penalties are outlined in the regulations and can vary based on the circumstances of the breach. Operators are thus advised to take this directive seriously to avoid any potential legal or operational repercussions.
In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, through Part 39 - 105 and the specific airworthiness directive AD/PA-32/38, establish clear requirements for the inspection of the quick disconnect seat retention mechanism in certain Piper PA-32 models. Operators must adhere to these regulations to ensure compliance and maintain airworthiness. Non-compliance can result in serious legal and operational penalties, reinforcing the importance of timely and accurate adherence to these safety mandates.