AD/PA-32/55 - Engine Cowling - Drain Hole Provision

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australian airspace. One specific aspect of these regulations is the issuance of airworthiness directives, such as AD/PA-32/55 for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the problem of inadequate drainage in the engine cowlings, which could potentially lead to water accumulation and engine failure. The objective of this particular directive, as outlined in the document Piper SB No. 580, is to ensure compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1978, specifically targeting the model PA32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-7700016. This directive is a component of the broader regulatory framework managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards in Australian civil aviation. By requiring the installation of a drain hole provision in the engine cowling of specified Piper PA-32 aeroplanes, the regulation seeks to mitigate the risk of water-induced engine issues, thereby enhancing flight safety and operational reliability.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/PA-32/55) applies to all Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series aeroplanes, specifically model PA32-260, with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-7700016. The directive mandates compliance with the installation of an engine cowling drain hole provision as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 580. This requirement must be met within 100 hours of time in service following 28 February 1978. The regulation falls under the purview of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia. This directive is applicable nationally and is an integral part of ensuring the airworthiness and safety standards of the specified aircraft within Australian airspace. The directive does not explicitly outline any exclusions or exemptions; however, its scope is limited to the specified model and serial numbers of the Piper PA-32 aeroplanes. The application and enforcement of these directives may be further detailed through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically in Part 39, Section 105, mandate the Airworthiness Directives for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series aeroplanes. The directive in question, AD/PA-32/55, pertains to the engine cowling of the PA32-260 model with serial numbers ranging from 32-1 to 32-7700016. This directive applies to aircraft that have accumulated 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1978 (Section 105.01). Compliance with this directive is to be achieved by following the guidance provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 580 (Section 105.02). The obligations imposed by this directive on the aircraft owners and operators include ensuring that the engine cowling of the specified models is equipped with a drain hole as described in the referenced service bulletin. This involves verifying that the modification has been correctly implemented and that the aircraft is fit for continued operation. Owners and operators must keep records of compliance and ensure that any maintenance or modifications are carried out by authorised personnel (Section 105.03). Failure to comply with this directive may result in serious safety implications, including potential engine failure due to water accumulation. The regulations outline potential civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance, which may include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The specific penalties are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which may impose administrative penalties, including fines up to the maximum allowable by law for non-compliance with airworthiness directives (Section 105.04).