AD/PA-32/60 - Manually Trippable Breaker for Pitch Trim Circuit - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05857, address the safety concerns associated with the pitch trim circuit of certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series aeroplanes. This regulation was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The primary objective of this regulation is to mitigate potential risks associated with the pitch trim circuit by mandating the installation of a manually trippable breaker. This requirement ensures that pilots can quickly and effectively address any issues related to the pitch trim system, enhancing overall flight safety. The regulation applies to specific serial number ranges of the PA-32-260, PA-32-300, and PA-32R-300 models, particularly those fitted with an Altimatic IIIC automatic pilot, and must be complied with within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to certain models of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates the installation of a manually trippable breaker for the pitch trim circuit on specific serial number ranges of the PA-32-260, PA-32-300, and PA-32R-300 models equipped with the Altimatic IIIC automatic pilot. The directive, outlined in AD/PA-32/60, requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 January 1979, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 622. This regulation is applicable nationally within Australia and is enforced by CASA to ensure air safety standards are met. The act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and is expected to be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary for compliance and safety purposes.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, contains various directives that ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. In this case, the regulation AD/PA-32/60 (section 3/79) focuses on the installation of a manually trippable breaker for the pitch trim circuit on specific Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to Model PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-7500001 to 32-7700023, Model PA-32-300 with serial numbers from 32-7540001 to 32-7840083, and Model PA-32R-300 with serial numbers from 32R-7680001 to 32R-7880066, all of which are fitted with the Altimatic IIIC automatic pilot. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979. The obligations imposed by this directive require the installation of a manually trippable breaker on the pitch trim circuit for the specified aircraft models to prevent potential electrical failures that could compromise flight safety. This installation must adhere to the guidelines provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 622, which serves as the technical reference for the required modifications. Aircraft operators must ensure that the installation is carried out by qualified personnel and that the aircraft is inspected to confirm compliance before further flight operations. Failure to comply with AD/PA-32/60 may result in severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can lead to civil penalties, including fines. The exact penalty amount is determined by the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not meet the required airworthiness standards can result in the aircraft being grounded, which would prevent it from being used in commercial or private operations until the necessary modifications are made. This not only affects the operator but also poses safety risks to passengers and crew.