COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-34/10 Rudder Bar Assembly - Inspection and Modification 12/73
Applicability: All models. Document: Piper SL No. 671.
Compliance: Inspect within 100 hours time in service after 31 December 1973 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until modified. Modify in accordance with SL No. 671 not later than first major inspection after 31 December 1973.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, represent a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) such as AD/PA-34/10, addresses critical safety concerns for specific aircraft types, in this case, the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes. The primary aim of this legislation is to mandate regular inspections and modifications to maintain airworthiness standards, thereby mitigating potential safety risks associated with the rudder bar assembly. The directive compels inspections within specific intervals and modifications to be conducted in accordance with specified service bulletins, underscoring the policy objective of ensuring ongoing compliance with safety regulations to protect the public and aviation personnel.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates airworthiness directives that apply to all Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series aeroplanes. These regulations require aircraft operators to inspect the rudder bar assembly within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1973, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the modification is completed. The modification must be performed in accordance with Piper Service Letter No. 671 and must be completed no later than the first major inspection following 31 December 1973. These directives are applicable to all models of the Piper PA-34 series, ensuring that the rudder bar assembly complies with specified safety standards. The regulations establish clear timelines for inspections and modifications, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the aircraft in operation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for certain aircraft, including the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes. Within this context, AD/PA-34/10 addresses the rudder bar assembly, stipulating both inspection and modification requirements. According to section 12/73, the directive is applicable to all models of the Piper PA-34 series. Compliance with these directives is mandated to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.
Under section 12/73, the primary requirement is for the inspection of the rudder bar assembly within 100 hours of time in service following 31 December 1973. This inspection must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the modification is carried out. Furthermore, the aircraft must be modified in accordance with Piper Service Letter No. 671. This modification must be completed before the first major inspection following 31 December 1973. These provisions are designed to maintain the structural integrity and operational safety of the aircraft.
The obligations imposed by AD/PA-34/10 on the operators and owners of Piper PA-34 series aeroplanes include ensuring that the rudder bar assembly is inspected and modified as per the specified timelines. Operators must keep detailed records of these inspections and modifications to demonstrate compliance with the directive. These records must be readily available for inspection by CASA or other authorised personnel to verify adherence to the stipulated requirements.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-34/10 can result in significant legal and safety implications. The Civil Aviation Act 1988 outlines potential penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Civil penalties may include fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges could be brought against the operators or owners of the aircraft. The maximum penalties can vary, but they are intended to ensure that all stakeholders maintain the highest standards of aircraft safety and operational integrity.