AD/PA-32/45 - Lower Cowl Drain - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05841, provide crucial regulations governing civil aviation safety in Australia. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically addresses a recognised gap in aviation safety concerning the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series aeroplanes. The policy objective of this legislation is to ensure that aircraft maintain their airworthiness, thereby enhancing overall safety standards in civil aviation. The regulation, AD/PA-32/45, mandates the inspection and modification of lower cowl drains on Model PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-01 to 32-7600023. Compliance with these directives is essential within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 31 May 1977, as specified in Piper Service Letter No. 796. The introduction of these regulations is a proactive measure to prevent potential safety hazards associated with the identified issue in the specified aircraft model.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, applies to all persons, entities, and industries involved in the operation and maintenance of the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This particular legislation mandates an inspection and potential modification of the lower cowl drain for model PA-32-260 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 32-01 to 32-7600023. Compliance with this directive is essential and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1977, as outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 796. This regulation has a national jurisdictional reach across Australia, impacting both private and commercial operators within the country. No specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are mentioned in the directive, implying that all eligible aircraft must adhere to the specified requirements. The regulation may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) under Part 39, Section 105, detail specific airworthiness directives for various aircraft models, including the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/PA-32/45, pertains to the lower cowl drain and mandates both an inspection and a modification (CAR 39.105). The directive applies to model PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-01 to 32-7600023 and references Piper Service Letter No. 796. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1977. Entities and individuals governed by this directive must ensure that the lower cowl drain of the specified Piper PA-32-260 models is inspected and, if necessary, modified according to the instructions outlined in Piper Service Letter No. 796. This inspection and modification are critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring safety standards are met and potential hazards are mitigated. The compliance period is strictly limited to 100 hours of service post the specified date, highlighting the urgency and importance of adhering to the directive. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/PA-32/45 may result in significant consequences. Under CAR 39.105, non-compliance could lead to the aircraft being grounded until the necessary inspection and modification are completed. Additionally, there may be civil penalties imposed for each flight conducted in non-compliance, and in severe cases, criminal charges could be brought against the operator or responsible individual. The specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text but generally can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment for serious breaches. The directive’s focus on the lower cowl drain inspection and modification underscores the importance of regular maintenance checks and adherence to specific service bulletins issued by manufacturers. This ensures that any potential issues that could compromise flight safety are addressed promptly. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining the safety and reliability of air travel.