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-32/43 Fuel Selector Valve - Inspection and Replacement
12/76
Applicability: Model PA-32-260 with S/Nos. 32-1 to 32-7600020; Model PA-32-300 with S/Nos.
32-40000 to 32-7640109. Model PA-32R-300 with S/Nos. 32R-7680001 to
32R-7680423; fitted with Airborne fuel valve P/N 1-H65-2 (Piper P/N 492-2 by Piper SB No. 444.
Document: 1. Piper SB No. 519A; or
2. FAA AD 76-18-04, Amendment 39-2709.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 December 1976.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through Legislative Instrument F2006B05839, were enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular legislative instrument addresses a critical safety issue concerning the fuel selector valves of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. The problem it was introduced to address includes the risk of fuel selector valve malfunctions, which can lead to hazardous in-flight conditions such as fuel starvation or improper fuel flow management. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of the fuel selector valves to mitigate these risks and enhance flight safety. The enactment of this regulation was overseen by the Australian Parliament, reflecting a commitment to stringent aviation safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the application of airworthiness directives, including the regulation pertaining to Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on fuel selector valve inspection and replacement. This regulation applies to certain models of the Piper PA-32 aeroplanes, including the PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-76000, the PA-32-300 with serial numbers ranging from 32-40000 to 32-7640109, and the PA-32R-300 with serial numbers ranging from 32R-7680001 to 32R-7680423, provided they are fitted with the Airborne fuel valve P/N 1-H65-2 (Piper P/N 492-2 by Piper SB No. 444. The directive necessitates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1976. The directive is enforced by referencing either Piper SB No. 519A or FAA AD 76-18-04, Amendment 39-2709. These regulations are part of the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and serve to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models within Australian airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/PA-32/43 for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This directive mandates an inspection and replacement of the fuel selector valve, outlined in detail in the document Piper SB No. 519A or FAA AD 76-18-04, Amendment 39-2709. The directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of the PA-32 series, namely PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-76000, PA-32-300 with serial numbers from 32-40000 to 32-7640109, and PA-32R-300 with serial numbers from 32R-7680001 to 32R-7680423, provided they are fitted with the Airborne fuel valve P/N 1-H65-2 (Piper P/N 492-2 by Piper SB No. 444).
Compliance with AD/PA-32/43 is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1976. This means that the relevant aircraft must undergo the specified inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of the fuel selector valve within 100 hours following the date mentioned. This requirement ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft models by addressing potential issues with the fuel selector valve that could lead to operational failures or safety risks.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties or entities it governs, including aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers. They must ensure that the inspection and replacement of the fuel selector valve are carried out as per the directive. This includes obtaining the necessary documentation, scheduling the inspections, and performing the required maintenance tasks within the specified timeframe. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which would prevent it from being operated until the necessary actions are taken to meet the regulatory requirements.
In the event of a breach of the AD/PA-32/43 directive, there may be significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. However, general provisions within the regulations allow for enforcement actions, including fines and potential prosecution. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any resultant harm or risk to aviation safety. It is essential for all parties involved to adhere strictly to the requirements to avoid any adverse legal or safety outcomes.