AD/PA-32/39 Amdt 1 - Fuel Line - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through F2006B05834, introduce specific airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument is enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The regulations are designed to address gaps in safety compliance, particularly for aircraft models such as the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/PA-32/39 Amendment 1, focuses on the inspection of fuel lines within specified serial number ranges. This directive is crucial for maintaining the operational safety of the affected aircraft by ensuring that any issues with the fuel lines are identified and rectified within a defined timeframe, specifically within 100 hours after 25 November 1977. The policy objective behind these regulations is to enhance the overall safety standards of civil aviation, thereby protecting the lives of passengers, crew, and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the Commonwealth of Australia’s legislative framework, extend their applicability to all entities and individuals involved in the operation, maintenance, and certification of aircraft within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to airworthiness directives which are mandatory regulatory measures aimed at ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. The particular amendment referenced, AD/PA-32/39 Amendment 1, targets the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes with certain serial numbers. The directive mandates that these aircraft must undergo a fuel line inspection within 100 hours of time in service after 25 November 1977. This requirement is jurisdictional across Australia, reflecting the Civil Aviation Regulations' national reach and the overarching authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in enforcing these standards. Compliance with this directive is non-negotiable and ensures that specified Piper PA-32 aeroplanes maintain the necessary safety standards as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. Section AD/PA-32/39 Amendment 1 focuses on the inspection of the fuel line, particularly for the Piper PA-32R-300 model aeroplanes. The affected serial numbers for this directive are from 32R-7680001 to 32R-7680132, 32R-7680134 to 32R-7680175, 32R-7680177 to 32R-7680200, 32R-7680202 to 32R-7680204, and 32R-7680207 to 32R-7780411. Compliance with the directive is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 25 November 1977. It is important to note that compliance with the previous issue of this directive satisfies compliance with this revised issue. The obligations and requirements imposed by this directive are primarily concerned with ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. Owners and operators of the Piper PA-32R-300 model aeroplanes within the outlined serial number range must conduct a thorough inspection of the fuel line within the stipulated timeframe. This inspection is critical to detect any potential issues that could compromise the safety of the aircraft during operation. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 503A, which provides detailed guidance on how to perform the required inspection. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive could result in significant consequences. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could result in grounding of the aircraft and potential legal repercussions for the operator. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and may take enforcement action against those who fail to adhere to the requirements of this directive. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, CASA generally has the power to impose fines and other administrative measures for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. In summary, the directive mandates a specific inspection of the fuel line on certain Piper PA-32R-300 aeroplanes within a defined timeframe, with compliance verified by Piper Service Bulletin No. 503A. Non-compliance with these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential enforcement actions and penalties by CASA. It is essential for operators of affected aircraft to ensure timely and thorough inspections to maintain the airworthiness of their aeroplanes.