AD/PA-32/59 - Control Column Stop - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Government and serve to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. Part 39, in particular, focuses on the airworthiness of aircraft and includes specific directives aimed at addressing various safety concerns. The Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes Control Column Stop Modification, referenced in AD/PA-32/59, is a directive introduced to mitigate risks associated with the control column stop mechanism in certain model Piper PA-32 aeroplanes. This directive applies to specific serial numbers of the PA-32RT-300 and PA-32RT-300T models, necessitating modifications to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of these aircraft by preventing potential control issues that could compromise flight safety. The directive was issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, reflecting the Commonwealth's commitment to maintaining high safety standards within the aviation sector. By mandating specific modifications to the control column stop, the regulation aims to prevent incidents related to control column disengagement or malfunction, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants. This legislative instrument underscores the importance of ongoing safety evaluations and proactive measures to address identified hazards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the applicability and requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of certain aircraft models under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) regulatory framework. This particular legislative instrument pertains to the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series aeroplanes, with a focus on the modification of the control column stop for specific models and serial numbers. The regulation applies to all model PA-32RT-300 and PA-32RT-300T aeroplanes that fall within the specified serial number ranges, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards set forth in the directive. The scope of this legislation is to mandate specific modifications to maintain the structural integrity and operational safety of the affected aircraft, ensuring compliance with CASA's airworthiness directives. The regulation's reach is within the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by CASA to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive, and compliance is mandatory for all aircraft within the specified serial number ranges.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, mandates Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. The directive in question, AD/PA-32/59, pertains to the modification of the control column stop for specific serial numbers of the PA-32RT-300 and PA-32RT-300T models. The affected serial numbers for PA-32RT-300 are from 32R-7885001 to 32R-7885216, 32R-7885218 to 32R-7885253, 32R-7885255, 32R-7885257 to 32R-7885260, and for PA-32RT-300T, they range from 32R-7887001 to 32R-7887110, 32R-7887112 to 32R-7887173, 32R-7887175 to 32R-7887182, 32R-7887184 to 32R-7887196, 32R-7887198 to 32R-7887291, 32R-7887203 to 32R-7887205, 32R-7887207, 32R-7887208, 32R-7887210, 32R-7887212 to 32R-7887215, 32R-7887217, 32R-7887218, 32R-7887220, 32R-7887222, 32R-7887224, and 32R-7887226. Compliance with this directive requires either Piper Service Bulletin No. 619 or FAA AD 78-22-07 Amendment 39-3332. Entities and individuals governed by this directive must ensure that the specified modifications to the control column stop are completed on the identified aircraft models. This includes reviewing the aircraft's serial number to determine applicability, obtaining the necessary documentation, and executing the modification as detailed in either Piper SB No. 619 or FAA AD 78-22-07 Amendment 39-3332. It is imperative that these modifications are carried out by certified personnel to ensure compliance with safety standards and to prevent any potential operational hazards. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive can result in significant legal and safety repercussions. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions, fines, and potential criminal charges against individuals or entities responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. The seriousness of the breach may dictate the severity of the penalties imposed, with potential maximum fines and imprisonment terms aligning with the regulatory framework governing aviation safety in Australia. It is crucial for all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the directive to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.