AD/PA-32/48 - Fuel Line - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form part of the legislative framework governing civil aviation in Australia. They were introduced to ensure that aviation activities are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, thereby addressing the need for comprehensive regulations to manage the complexities of civil aviation. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enforcing body, aims to uphold the highest safety standards in accordance with these regulations. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B05844, pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing an airworthiness directive regarding fuel line inspections. This directive was introduced to mitigate potential safety hazards associated with fuel line degradation in certain models of the Piper PA-32 aeroplanes, ensuring that these aircraft continue to meet safety standards post a specified period of operation. The policy objective here is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating regular inspections and necessary maintenance actions.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates specific airworthiness directives for certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, particularly regarding the inspection of fuel lines. The directive applies to specific models of the PA-32-260 and PA-32-300 series, identified by their serial numbers. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, affecting all operators within the Commonwealth of Australia. Compliance with the directive is mandatory for those aeroplanes that meet the specified serial number criteria and have accumulated 100 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 31 July 1977. This requirement ensures that the specified aircraft are regularly inspected to maintain safety standards as outlined in Piper SB No. 571, Part D. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, meaning all affected aircraft must adhere to the inspection mandate without exception. Furthermore, the application of this directive may be extended or detailed through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (subsections 39.105.1 through 39.105.10), mandate specific airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This particular legislation, referenced as AD/PA-32/48, focuses on the inspection of fuel lines on specified models (subsection 39.105.5). The directive applies to models PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-03 to 32-7700016 and PA-32-300 with serial numbers ranging from 32-15 to 32-7740069, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 571, Part D. Entities governed by this legislation are required to ensure compliance with the airworthiness directive within a specific timeframe. Specifically, the fuel line inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance date of 31 July 1977 (subsection 39.105.7). This compliance is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models, ensuring safety standards are upheld. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in significant legal and financial consequences. The regulations outline that non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions, which could include fines or other penalties as prescribed under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (subsection 39.105.10). The exact penalties can vary, but the implications underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated inspection requirements to avoid potential adverse outcomes.