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-32/5
Amdt 3
Aileron and Stabilator Balance Weight Assembly NK and Rudder Horn Assembly - Inspection
Applicability: All models PA-32-260 with S/Nos. referenced in Piper SB No. 240.
Requirement: 1. Inspect in accordance with Piper SB No. 240 and take necessary action as called up in Service Bulletin.
2. Remove the wing tips and visually inspect the balance weight arms and attachments for cracks.
Compliance: For Para. 1 - Aircraft which have achieved 2 years in service since date of manufacture, within 100 hours time in service after 31 August 1980 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 2 years.
For Para. 2 - Within 200 hours time in service after 31 August 1980 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 200 hours time in service.
Note: Compliance with previous issue of this AD constitutes compliance with this issue of AD.
Background: Aileron balance weight support tubes have exhibited instances of internal corrosion and subsequent separation. Stabilator and rudder balance assemblies have demonstrated a tendency to work loose in service. This amendment references specific affected aeroplanes and simplifies compliance statement.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate the aviation industry within Australia. One of the amendments to these regulations, F2006B05846, specifically addresses safety concerns associated with Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series aeroplanes. This amendment, introduced to rectify deficiencies in the aileron and stabilator balance weight assemblies and the rudder horn assembly, aims to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft models. The policy objective behind this legislative instrument is to ensure that aeroplanes meet the required safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of in-flight failures due to corrosion and assembly loosening. Compliance with these amendments is crucial to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft, ensuring they continue to operate safely within Australian airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This directive, AD/PA-32/5 Amendment 3, pertains to the inspection of the aileron and stabilator balance weight assembly as well as the NK and rudder horn assembly, and applies to all models of the PA-32-260 series with serial numbers as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 240. The directive is applicable nationwide, within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, and covers the specified aircraft models irrespective of the location of their operation within Australia. The directive sets out clear requirements for inspection and necessary actions to be taken in accordance with the referenced service bulletin and mandates visual inspections for cracks in the balance weight arms and attachments. Compliance with the directive is required at specific intervals following the aircraft's manufacture date and time in service, with inspections necessary after two years or 100 hours of service post-31 August 1980, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding two years. For the inspection of the wing tips, compliance is required after 200 hours of service post-31 August 1980, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of service. It is noteworthy that compliance with the previous issue of this airworthiness directive is recognised as meeting the requirements of the current issue.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. Section AD/PA-32/5 Amendment 3 focuses on the inspection requirements for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 240. The directive mandates inspections of the aileron and stabilator balance weight assembly, as well as the rudder horn assembly, to ensure continued airworthiness and safety (Section 1). Aircraft owners and operators must follow the instructions detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 240, which includes conducting a thorough inspection and taking necessary corrective actions as outlined in the bulletin.
Compliance with this airworthiness directive involves specific timelines and intervals. For the aileron and stabilator balance weight assembly inspection, aircraft that have been in service for two years since manufacture must be inspected within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1980, and then at intervals not exceeding two years thereafter (Section 1(a)). For the rudder horn assembly inspection, the aircraft must be inspected within 200 hours of time in service after 31 August 1980, and then at intervals not exceeding 200 hours thereafter (Section 1(b)). The directive also notes that compliance with the previous issue of this airworthiness directive constitutes compliance with this amendment.
Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance may lead to aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can result in operational restrictions or grounding of the aircraft. Furthermore, regulatory authorities may impose penalties, including fines and other sanctions, against the aircraft owners and operators who fail to adhere to the prescribed inspection and maintenance schedules. The specific penalties are determined by CASA and can vary based on the severity and frequency of non-compliance. It is essential for aircraft operators to meticulously follow these directives to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.