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-32/52 Electric Pitch Trim Switch - Modification 10/77
Applicability: Model PA32-260 with S/Nos. 32-1111 to 32-1297 and 32-7100001 to 32-7100017,
PA-32-300 with S/Nos. 32-40566 to 32-40974 and 32-7140001 to 32-7140049.
Document: Piper SB No. 556.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 October 1977.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, address various aspects of civil aviation safety within the country, including the establishment of airworthiness directives. One such directive, AD/PA-32/52, specifically pertains to the modification of the electric pitch trim switch in certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the pitch trim switch in specific model series of the Piper PA-32 aeroplanes, ensuring that these aircraft meet the required safety standards to protect passengers and crew. The policy objective behind this regulation is to enhance aviation safety by mandating modifications that mitigate identified risks, thereby ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards.
This legislative instrument is part of a broader regulatory framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which aims to maintain and improve the safety of civil aviation in Australia. The requirement for compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1977 underscores the urgency and importance of addressing these safety issues to prevent potential hazards during flight operations.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's regulations, specifically Part 39 - 105 within the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, establish stringent safety standards for civil aviation operations in Australia. The scope of this legislation includes the modification requirements for certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, which are mandatory for specific serial numbers within the PA32-260 and PA-32-300 models. This directive ensures that the electric pitch trim switch modifications are carried out on these specified aircraft to maintain airworthiness and operational safety. The regulation applies nationally, overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform approach to aviation safety across the country. Compliance with these directives is critical for aircraft operators, maintenance personnel, and aviation authorities to adhere to the specified timelines and technical standards.
Exclusions or exemptions from these directives are not explicitly stated in the provided text, suggesting that all specified aircraft must comply without exception. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, and it is implemented under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. The regulations may be further extended or detailed through subordinate instruments, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are kept informed of any updates or additional requirements necessary to uphold the safety standards set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 105, details the requirements and procedures for ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft models. In this case, Airworthiness Directive (AD) PA-32/52 pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, focusing on a modification to the electric pitch trim switch (paragraph 10/77). The directive applies to specific model numbers and serial number ranges of the aircraft (subsection 1).
Under the AD, operators of the affected Piper PA-32 models must comply with the modifications outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 556. This involves making alterations to the electric pitch trim switch within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1977 (paragraph 10/77). This requirement ensures that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and operational criteria set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Operators of the Piper PA-32 aeroplanes covered by this directive must ensure that the required modifications are carried out by authorised personnel and that the aircraft is inspected and certified as compliant before resuming flight operations. This obligation extends to maintaining accurate records of the modifications and inspections performed, as per the regulations (subsection 1). Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and potential legal consequences.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD PA-32/52 can lead to significant consequences. CASA has the authority to enforce the regulations through enforcement actions, which may include fines, penalties, or other sanctions against the operator. In cases of non-compliance, CASA may also take action to prevent the operation of the aircraft until the required modifications are made and the aircraft is deemed airworthy again (subsection 1). The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but operators must ensure strict adherence to avoid these adverse outcomes.