AD/PA-32/64 - Fuel Flow Indicator Line - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were amended in 2006 to introduce specific safety directives for aviation, addressing identified gaps in aircraft maintenance and safety. This legislative instrument, specifically F2006B05861, targets the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes, aiming to mitigate risks associated with broken fuel flow indicator lines that have been reported overseas, leading to issues such as fuel leakage, engine power loss, and in some cases, forced landings. The enactment seeks to ensure compliance with safety standards by requiring the replacement of fuel flow indicator lines within a specified timeframe for certain model aeroplanes, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The policy objective of this legislative amendment is to mandate timely corrective actions to prevent incidents related to compromised fuel flow indicator lines in specified Piper PA-32 aircraft models, ensuring that these aeroplanes meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers and crew. The directive is applicable to Model PA-32RT-300T with serial numbers ranging from 32R-7887001 to 32R-7987124, and requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 19 July 1979. This measure is crucial in addressing the identified safety concerns and maintaining the integrity of civil aviation operations within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, focusing on the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to Model PA-32RT-300T with serial numbers ranging from 32R-7887001 to 32R-7987124, mandating compliance with either Piper Service Bulletin No. 652 or the Federal Aviation Administration AD 79-13-04, Amendment 39-3500. The directive requires the replacement of the fuel flow indicator line within 25 hours of time in service after 19 July 1979, following overseas reports of broken lines that led to fuel leakage, engine power loss, and a forced landing. This regulation has a national reach, governing all aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia that fall under the specified model and serial number range, with no stated exclusions or exemptions. Compliance is enforced to ensure aviation safety across the country.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39, Section 105, mandate that certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes must adhere to specific airworthiness directives. This particular directive, AD/PA-32/64, concerns the replacement of fuel flow indicator lines (Section 9/79). The directive applies to Model PA-32RT-300T aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 32R-7887001 to 32R-7987124. To ensure compliance, operators must refer to either Piper Service Bulletin No. 652 or the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 79-13-04, Amendment 39-3500. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after 19 July 1979. The obligations imposed by this directive are straightforward. Operators of the specified Piper PA-32RT-300T models must ensure that the fuel flow indicator lines are replaced as per the referenced documents. This requirement is intended to prevent issues such as fuel leakage and engine power loss, which have been reported overseas. These incidents have led to forced landings, indicating a significant safety concern that necessitates timely action. Failure to comply with this airworthiness directive can lead to severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations stringently to ensure that all aircraft meet the required safety standards. Non-compliance could potentially result in the grounding of the affected aircraft, as well as financial penalties and legal action. Operators are obligated to maintain records of compliance, ensuring that all required inspections and replacements are documented appropriately. In terms of penalties, the specific regulations do not detail maximum fines or specific criminal penalties in the provided text. However, under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in substantial penalties. These can include fines of up to $222,200 for corporations and $44,400 for individuals, as well as potential imprisonment for serious breaches. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to issue infringement notices for minor infractions, which can result in fines of up to $11,100.