AD/PA-32/62 - Nose Gear Actuator Rod End Bearing - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, provide the legal framework for aviation safety in Australia. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B05859, addresses a safety issue concerning the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, particularly models PA-32RT-300 and PA-32RT-300T with specific serial numbers. The legislation was introduced to mitigate the risk associated with the nose gear actuator rod end bearing, which was found to lack sufficient strength to withstand the thermal expansion forces of the hydraulic fluid. This directive mandates the replacement of the bearing with a stronger unit within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 31 July 1979, ensuring that the aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. The policy objective behind this regulation is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by preventing potential failures that could arise from the inadequate bearing strength.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly PART 39 - 105, mandate the replacement of the nose gear actuator rod end bearing for specific Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This applies to models PA-32RT-300 and PA-32RT-300T, which are identified by serial numbers listed in Piper SB No. 616, Part 1. The replacement must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1979. The regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all entities and persons who operate or maintain these specific aircraft models. The scope of this directive is confined to the identified aircraft models and does not apply to other types of aircraft or components. The requirement is firm and does not provide for any exemptions or exclusions, ensuring safety compliance across the specified fleet. This directive is enforced under the overarching authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and is subject to any relevant subordinate instruments that may further detail compliance and enforcement procedures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains an airworthiness directive (AD) for the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, known as AD/PA-32/62. This directive mandates the replacement of the nose gear actuator rod end bearing (section 39-105). The directive applies to models PA-32RT-300 and PA-32RT-300T with serial numbers listed in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 616, Part 1. The compliance requirement is to replace the nose gear actuator rod end bearing within 100 hours of time in service after 31 July 1979 (section 39-105(a)). This airworthiness directive imposes obligations on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to ensure that the nose gear actuator rod end bearing is replaced in accordance with the specified timeline. This involves following the instructions provided in Piper SB No. 616, Part 1, which details the process for replacing the bearing with a stronger unit designed to withstand the thermal expansion force of the hydraulic fluid (section 39-105(b)). It is imperative that the replacement is carried out by qualified personnel to ensure compliance with safety standards. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. Non-compliance may result in the aeroplane being deemed unairworthy, which can prevent the aircraft from being operated until the required maintenance is performed (section 39-105(c)). Additionally, there can be civil penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the maximum penalty for contravening an airworthiness directive can be up to $275,000 for individuals and $1.375 million for corporations (section 39-105(d)). There may also be criminal consequences for those who knowingly or recklessly fail to comply with the regulations, which can result in fines and imprisonment. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.