AD/PA-34/19 - Turbocharger Oil Hose - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, introduced specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safety and compliance of aircraft within Australia. One such directive is AD/PA-34/19, targeting the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes, specifically model PA34-200T with serial numbers ranging from 34-7570001 to 34-7670077. This directive was enacted to address a critical issue identified in the turbocharger oil hose, which required modification to ensure operational safety. The directive mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service after its issuance date of 16 December 1975, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 483. The objective of this regulation is to mitigate potential risks associated with the turbocharger oil hose and ensure the continued airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to all Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes, particularly those within the model range PA34-200T and serial numbers ranging from 34-7570001 to 34-7670077. The legislation mandates a compliance requirement for these aircraft to undergo a modification to the turbocharger oil hose within 25 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 16 December 1975, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 483. This regulation is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia and pertains to entities operating within the civil aviation industry, ensuring that these specific aircraft meet the specified safety standards. The scope of this particular airworthiness directive is limited to the aforementioned model and serial number range of Piper PA-34 (Seneca) aeroplanes, targeting a critical safety issue related to the turbocharger oil hose. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is applicable nationwide, encompassing all operators and owners of the affected aircraft within Australian jurisdiction. The directive does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds; however, its enforcement and detailed requirements may be expanded upon through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/PA-34/19, concern the modification of turbocharger oil hoses for the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series aeroplanes. Section 39.105 of the regulations mandates that all Piper PA34-200T aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 34-7570001 to 34-7670077 must comply with the requirements of Piper Service Bulletin No. 483, which addresses the modification of the turbocharger oil hose. This modification is required to be carried out within 25 hours of time in service after 16 December 1975. Under these regulations, the primary obligations for the operators and owners of the specified Piper PA34-200T aircraft are to ensure that the turbocharger oil hose is modified in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 483 within the prescribed timeframe. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which would prevent it from being operated until the necessary modifications are completed. The regulations require that the modifications are properly documented and logged in the aircraft's maintenance records to demonstrate compliance. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 also establish the consequences for non-compliance with these airworthiness directives. Operators who fail to adhere to the modification requirements specified in AD/PA-34/19 may face enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges for operating a non-compliant aircraft. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of failing to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft as mandated by these regulations.