AD/PA-32/63 - Turbocharger Exhaust System - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, were enacted to regulate and maintain the safety standards within the Australian civil aviation industry. This legislative instrument aims to address safety concerns and ensure that aircraft meet specific airworthiness directives. In this context, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-32/63 for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of the turbocharger exhaust system to mitigate fire hazards caused by failures such as cracking and deformation of exhaust components. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of air travel by requiring regular inspections and timely maintenance of critical aircraft systems. The Airworthiness Directive mandates that for Model PA-32RT-300T with specific serial numbers, the turbocharger exhaust coupling and tailpipe must be removed and inspected for cracks, deformation, and damage. Specific measurements must be taken to ensure components meet the required dimensions, and any parts found to be defective must be replaced or reworked. Compliance with these directives is mandatory within 10 hours of the aircraft being in service after 2 July 1979, reflecting CASA’s commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105 Airworthiness Directives, apply to all persons, entities, and aircraft involved in civil aviation within Australia. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/PA-32/63 is focused on the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, specifically those with Serial Numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 32R-7887001 to 32R-7987126. The directive mandates a comprehensive inspection of the turbocharger exhaust system to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft. The requirement includes a detailed procedure for inspecting specific parts of the turbocharger exhaust system, measuring their dimensions, and replacing any parts found to be cracked, deformed, or damaged. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 10 hours of time in service after the effective date of 2 July 1979. The directive underscores the importance of addressing potential fire hazards due to reported failures of the turbocharger exhaust system. While the AD primarily applies to the specified model and serial numbers, compliance is essential for maintaining the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in PART 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives for Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, with a focus on AD/PA-32/63 concerning the turbocharger exhaust system (section numbers referenced for clarity). This directive applies to model PA-32RT-300T with serial numbers ranging from 32R-7887001 to 32R-7987126. The primary requirement is the inspection and possible replacement of the turbocharger exhaust system components to prevent fire hazards due to potential cracking and deformation reported by the FAA. Specifically, the exhaust coupling P/N 556108 and tailpipe P/N 98705-2 must be removed and inspected for any signs of cracks, deformation, or damage using either a dye penetrant method or a 10X lens. Additionally, precise measurements must be taken to ensure the coupling retainer segments and the tailpipe flange meet the specified dimensions. If any parts are found to be cracked, deformed, or damaged, they must be replaced. The compliance window mandates that this inspection and any necessary repairs must be completed within 10 hours of time in service following 2 July 1979. The obligations imposed by this directive require operators of the affected aircraft to conduct a thorough inspection of the turbocharger exhaust system components as outlined. The inspection must be meticulous, ensuring that all specified parts are checked for damage and that any measurements fall within the prescribed tolerances. If any components are found to be outside the acceptable range, they must be either replaced or reworked to meet the specifications, with the alignment of turbocharger and tailpipe flanges being a critical aspect of the installation process. Furthermore, operators must ensure that the coupling nut is tightened to the specified torque and that the installation is secured with lockwire. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to serious consequences. The primary risk is the potential for a fire hazard due to the leakage of hot gases, which could result in catastrophic failure of the aircraft during flight. Legally, non-compliance constitutes a breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which may result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other civil or criminal consequences, although specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the provided text. It is imperative for operators to adhere strictly to these requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.