COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-32/68 Fuel Tank Vent and Vent Hose - Modification
and Replacement
9/80
Applicability: Model PA-32-260 with S/Nos. 32-7800001 to 32-7800008; Model PA-32-300 with S/Nos. 32-7740109 to 32-7940290; Model PA-32R-300 with S/Nos. 32R-7780215 to 32R-7880068; Model PA-32RT-300 with S/Nos. 32R-7885001 to 32R-7985105; Model PA-32RT-300T with S/Nos. 32R-7787001, 32R-7887002 to 32R-7987126.
Document: Piper SB No. 646A.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 May 1980.
Background: The fuel vent hose material fitted to these aircraft has proved unsuitable in service and may result in leakage of fuel and accumulation of fumes in the wing areas.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), establish stringent safety standards for aviation activities within Australia. Among these regulations, Part 39 – 105 specifically focuses on the scheduling of airworthiness directives to ensure the continued safe operation of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-32/68, targets Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes, addressing a critical safety issue identified in the fuel tank vent and vent hose. This directive was introduced to rectify the problem of fuel leakage and accumulation of fumes in the wing areas, which stemmed from the use of unsuitable vent hose materials in these aircraft. The policy objective underpinning this directive is to enhance flight safety by mandating the modification and replacement of the defective components, thereby mitigating potential hazards associated with fuel system failures.
Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislative instrument aims to fill a significant gap in aircraft maintenance protocols by ensuring that specific models of Piper PA-32 aircraft undergo timely and necessary modifications to their fuel tank vent and vent hose systems. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following its issuance on 31 May 1980, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing identified safety concerns and preventing potential accidents. By enforcing these standards, CASA reinforces its commitment to maintaining high safety benchmarks within the Australian aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to certain series of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/PA-32/68, mandates the modification and replacement of the fuel tank vent and vent hose for specific models of the Piper PA-32 series aeroplanes, as identified by their serial numbers. The directive applies to the Model PA-32-260 with serial numbers ranging from 32-7800001 to 32-7800008, the Model PA-32-300 with serial numbers from 32-7740109 to 32-7940290, the Model PA-32R-300 with serial numbers from 32R-7780215 to 32R-7880068, the Model PA-32RT-300 with serial numbers from 32R-7885001 to 32R-7985105, and the Model PA-32RT-300T with serial numbers 32R-7787001, 32R-7887002 to 32R-7987126. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980, in response to the issue of the fuel vent hose material proving unsuitable in service, which may lead to fuel leakage and accumulation of fumes in the wing areas. This legislation has a Commonwealth reach, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft across Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate modifications and replacements concerning the fuel tank vent and vent hose of Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. Section 39 - 105 (AD/PA-32/68) addresses the critical issue of the fuel tank vent and vent hose, which have been identified as unsuitable for continued service due to the risk of fuel leakage and accumulation of fumes in the wing areas. The directive applies to specific models of the Piper PA-32 series with particular serial numbers, as detailed in the legislation. Compliance with this directive is mandatory within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1980, as outlined in the referenced Piper Service Bulletin No. 646A.
The obligations imposed by this legislation include the requirement for aircraft operators to ensure that the fuel tank vent and vent hose of the specified models are modified or replaced as per the directive. This involves conducting thorough inspections and, if necessary, replacing the vent hose with a material that is deemed suitable and safe for continued operation. Additionally, operators must maintain records of compliance with this directive, ensuring that all modifications and replacements are documented accurately and retained for future reference.
Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in Section 39 - 105 (AD/PA-32/68) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement action against non-compliant operators. The potential penalties for breach of these regulations can include fines and, in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. The exact penalties and consequences depend on the severity of the non-compliance and the impact on aviation safety.