AD/PA-32/69 - Rudder/Aileron Interconnect Bracket - Interference Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B05866, were enacted to address specific safety concerns related to certain Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) series aeroplanes. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific inspections. The policy objective is to mitigate potential risks associated with the rudder/aileron interconnect bracket, particularly the possibility of interference with the lower stabilator cable during certain control movements. This legislative instrument was introduced to provide clear, enforceable guidelines for the inspection of the rudder/aileron interconnect bracket to prevent any operational hazards that could compromise flight safety. The regulation applies to specific serial number ranges of PA-32-301 and PA-32-301T models, requiring compliance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 701 within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981. By implementing these directives, CASA seeks to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft maintain their airworthiness and that pilots and passengers can fly with confidence.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific safety directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/PA-32/69, applies to all model PA-32-301 with serial numbers ranging from 32-8006002 to 32-8006106, as well as all model PA-32-301T with serial numbers from 32-8024001 to 32-8024051. The directive, which stems from Piper SB No. 701, requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981, to ensure that the lower stabilator cable does not interfere with the rudder/aileron interconnect bracket as the stabilator control transitions through the neutral position. The scope of this regulation is geographically and jurisdictionally aligned with the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing all entities and individuals operating these specified aircraft within its jurisdiction. While the regulation itself does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, it is implicitly understood that compliance is mandatory for all affected aircraft operators. The authority to extend or restrict the application of this directive is also implicitly granted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft types, including the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/PA-32/69, mandates an inspection of the rudder/aileron interconnect bracket for interference (Section 3/81). This directive applies to all model PA-32-301 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 32-8006002 to 32-8006106, and to all model PA-32-301T aeroplanes with S/Nos. ranging from 32-8024001 to 32-8024051. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 701 for compliance details. It requires the inspection to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1981. The directive is motivated by the potential for the lower stabilator cable to come into contact with the rudder/aileron interconnect bracket as the stabilator control transitions through the neutral position. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose specific obligations on the operators and owners of the Piper PA-32 (Cherokee Six) Series Aeroplanes affected by AD/PA-32/69. Operators must ensure that the required inspection of the rudder/aileron interconnect bracket is conducted within the stipulated timeframe. They must also ensure that any identified issues are rectified in accordance with the guidance provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 701. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy until the required inspections and repairs are completed. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/PA-32/69 may lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could result in imprisonment. The exact penalties depend on the severity of the non-compliance and the discretion of the court. Additionally, non-compliance could result in the grounding of the affected aircraft, which would prevent it from being operated until the required inspections and repairs are completed, potentially leading to financial losses for the operator and inconvenience to passengers.