AD/PA-32/47 - Fuel Filler Cap - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australia. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), addresses the gap in ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive is AD/PA-32/47, which mandates the inspection and replacement of fuel filler caps for specific Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. The directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with fuel filler caps, ensuring that these aircraft maintain their airworthiness and safety standards. The policy objective is clearly stated as the need to comply with the directive within 100 hours of time in service after the specified date of 31 July 1977, referencing Piper Service Bulletin No. 571, Part B, to ensure adherence to safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targeting the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to certain models within the series, specifically the PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-03 to 32-1123, and the PA-32-300 with serial numbers ranging from 32-15 to 32-21 and from 32-40000 to 32-40629. The directive mandates that fuel filler caps of these affected aircraft must be inspected and replaced in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 571, Part B. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 31 July 1977. This directive applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring the safety standards are uniformly enforced across the nation. There are no exclusions or exemptions outlined in this particular directive, and it is directly enforced without the need for subordinate instruments to extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety directives for the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes through AD/PA-32/47, focusing on the inspection and replacement of fuel filler caps. According to section 39.105, these directives apply to specific models of the Piper PA-32, namely the PA-32-260 with serial numbers (S/Nos) 32-03 to 32-1123 and the PA-32-300 with S/Nos 32-15, 32-21, and 32-40000 to 32-40629. This regulation mandates compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 571, Part B, which outlines the necessary actions to ensure the aircraft's safety. The compliance deadline is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977. The obligations imposed by AD/PA-32/47 include regular inspections of the fuel filler caps to identify any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. If any issues are detected, the fuel filler caps must be replaced promptly to prevent potential fuel system failures. Additionally, operators and owners of these aircraft must ensure that the replacement parts meet the specifications outlined in the referenced service bulletin. These obligations are crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/PA-32/47 can result in significant legal and safety consequences. The regulations impose strict penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines and potential criminal charges. The specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative text, but they are intended to enforce the critical nature of these safety directives. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections and repairs are completed, which could have substantial operational and financial implications for the operators.