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-32/49 Fuel Tank Vent - Inspection and Modification 7/77
Applicability: Models PA-32-260, with S/Nos. 32-13, 32-14, 32-1 to 32-7700016, and PA-32-300
with S/Nos. 32-15, 32-21, 32-40000 to 32-7740037, 32-7740039 to 32-7740053, 32-
7740055 to 32-7740062 and 32-7740064 to 32-7740069.
Document: 1. Piper SB No. 342, pages 2 and 3; and
2. Piper SB No. 571, Part C.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 July 1977.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to provide for the regulation of civil aviation and related activities in Australia, addressing issues of safety, efficiency, and the orderly development of civil aviation. This legislation was introduced by the Australian Parliament to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development issues airworthiness directives to address identified safety issues. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest possible level of safety in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft, personnel, and operations meet stringent safety standards. This particular airworthiness directive, AD/PA-32/49, focuses on the inspection and modification of the fuel tank vent for specific Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes to mitigate identified safety risks. Compliance with such directives is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the stipulated timeframes and requirements can result in serious regulatory consequences.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, focusing on Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to specific models of the PA-32 series, namely PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-13 to 32-7700016, and PA-32-300 with serial numbers ranging from 32-15 to 32-7740069. The directive mandates compliance with the specified fuel tank vent inspection and modification requirements within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977. This regulatory requirement is applicable on a Commonwealth level, ensuring uniform safety standards across Australia. The legislation does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, but compliance is essential for maintaining airworthiness and ensuring safety in civil aviation operations. CASA may extend or restrict the application of these regulations through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the directives remain effective and adaptable to technological and operational advancements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, specifically AD/PA-32/49, which mandates inspection and modification of the fuel tank vent. This directive applies to specific models and serial numbers of the aircraft, namely the PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-13 to 32-7700016 and PA-32-300 with serial numbers from 32-15 to 32-7740069 (Section 39-105). The directive requires adherence to Piper Service Bulletins No. 342, pages 2 and 3, and No. 571, Part C, for compliance details.
Operators and owners of the specified Piper PA-32 aeroplanes must comply with the requirements of AD/PA-32/49 within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1977. This includes conducting a thorough inspection of the fuel tank vent system and making any necessary modifications as outlined in the referenced Piper Service Bulletins. These obligations are critical to ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-32/49 may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement actions against operators or owners who do not adhere to the specified safety directives. Such non-compliance may lead to operational restrictions or grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections and modifications are completed to meet regulatory standards.
In terms of penalties, while the specific regulatory text does not detail the exact penalties for non-compliance, the broader Civil Aviation Regulations typically include provisions for fines, enforcement notices, and potential legal action under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Operators and owners are advised to ensure strict adherence to the directive to avoid these potential consequences.