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-32/46 Fuel Selector Valve - Inspection 7/77
Applicability: Models PA-32-260 with S/Nos. 32-03, 32-04, 32-1 to 32-7400049 and PA-32-300
with S/Nos. 32-15, 32-21, 32-40000 to 32-7440160, fitted with an Airborne Model 1- H10, 1-H16-1, 1-H26-1, 1-H26-2, 1-H26-3 or 1-H26-4 fuel selector valve.
Requirement: 1. Ensure that there is at least one gallon of fuel in each tank and carry out the normal pre-flight water drain checks.
2. With the fuel selector in the “OFF” detent, operate the fuel selector valve drain lever for one minute and discard the collected contents.
Note: Several attempts may be required to drain all fuel from the collector bowl.
3. Close the drain valve and wait for three minutes. Drain fuel selector for one minute into a graduated container and if contents exceed one-half fluid ounce (one tablespoon) repeat the drain.
4. If the repeat drain exceeds one-half fluid ounce, remove, clean and reinstall the fuel selector valve and repeat step No. 3.
5. If, after carrying out steps 3 and 4, the drain exceeds one- half fluid ounce, replace the fuel selector valve with Piper Fuel Valve Kit No. 757 148V or 760 895V as applicable.
Note: Steps 1 to 3 above, may be performed and certified by the pilot.
Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 31 July 1977 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until fitted with Piper Fuel Valve Kit No.
757148V or 760895V as applicable.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia, addressing gaps and problems in airworthiness standards, procedures, and operations. This legislative instrument is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs), aims to establish mandatory safety standards and procedures to be followed by aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. AD/PA-32/46 focuses on the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, requiring the inspection and maintenance of the fuel selector valve to ensure ongoing airworthiness and prevent fuel contamination, thereby safeguarding flight safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to specific models of the Piper PA-32 series, namely PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-03 to 32-7400049 and PA-32-300 with serial numbers ranging from 32-15 to 32-7440160, provided they are fitted with an Airborne Model 1-H10, 1-H16-1, 1-H26-1, 1-H26-2, 1-H26-3, or 1-H26-4 fuel selector valve. The regulation is enforced across the Commonwealth of Australia, extending its jurisdictional reach to all entities and persons operating these specified aircraft models within the country. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, but compliance is mandatory for the specified aircraft within the stipulated timeframes. The regulation may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, ensuring that the directive remains current and applicable to evolving operational contexts.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. This includes AD/PA-32/46, which pertains to Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes and mandates inspections of the fuel selector valve. Section 7/77 applies to specific model numbers of the PA-32-260 and PA-32-300 series, particularly those fitted with certain Airborne Model fuel selector valves.
Under this directive, the main requirement is to ensure that there is at least one gallon of fuel in each tank before conducting normal pre-flight water drain checks. The fuel selector must be in the “OFF” detent, and the valve drain lever must be operated for one minute to discard the collected contents. If the drain exceeds one-half fluid ounce, the fuel selector valve should be cleaned, reinstalled, and the process repeated. If the issue persists, the fuel selector valve must be replaced with the specified Piper Fuel Valve Kit.
The obligations imposed by the Act require the aircraft owner or operator to comply with the airworthiness directive by conducting the specified inspections within 25 hours after 31 July 1977 and then at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This is until the specified Piper Fuel Valve Kit is fitted to the aeroplane.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive may result in civil or criminal penalties. The regulations do not specify exact penalties, but non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to significant consequences, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The severity of the penalties would depend on the specific breach and the discretion of the enforcing authority.