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-34/22 Fuselage Structure Rivets - Inspection 3/77
Applicability: All model PA-34-200 with S/Nos. 34-7250001 to 34-7450220. All model PA-34-200T with S/Nos. 34-7570001 to 34-7670292.
Document: Piper SB No. 545.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 May 1977.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were introduced to address the need for comprehensive safety standards in civil aviation. This legislation is integral to ensuring the safety of aircraft operations within Australia. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) administers these regulations, which include mandatory safety directives aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards. The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-34/22, for example, focuses on the inspection of fuselage structure rivets in Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes, ensuring compliance within a specified timeframe to prevent potential safety hazards. This directive is part of a broader policy objective to proactively manage and mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations, thereby safeguarding passengers and crew.
Enacted to fill critical gaps in aviation safety regulation, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 establish a robust framework that is periodically updated to reflect advancements in aviation technology and emerging safety concerns. By mandating specific inspections and maintenance actions, such as those outlined in AD/PA-34/22, the regulations aim to enhance the overall safety and reliability of aircraft. CASA's role in enforcing these regulations ensures that operators adhere to stringent safety protocols, ultimately contributing to the secure and efficient operation of Australia's civil aviation sector.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/PA-34/22 concerning the fuselage structure rivets of Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all model PA-34-200 with serial numbers ranging from 34-7250001 to 34-7450220 and all model PA-34-200T with serial numbers from 34-7570001 to 34-7670292. The directive mandates an inspection of the fuselage structure rivets, to be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1977, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 545. This regulation is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia and is intended to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models within its jurisdiction. The scope of the directive is limited to the specified serial numbers and does not extend to other aircraft types or models outside the parameters set forth in the legislation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, establish crucial provisions governing the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly in relation to Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes. Section 39.105 details an Airworthiness Directive (AD) applicable to certain Seneca models. The directive (AD/PA-34/22) mandates that all model PA-34-200 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 34-7250001 to 34-7450220 and all model PA-34-200T with S/Nos. from 34-7570001 to 34-7670292 must comply with a specific inspection requirement for fuselage structure rivets (Section 39.105(1)). This inspection must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1977 (Section 39.105(2)).
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Operators of the affected Seneca models are required to ensure that the specified inspection of fuselage structure rivets is conducted by authorised personnel. This inspection is critical to maintaining the structural integrity of the aircraft and ensuring ongoing airworthiness (Section 39.105(3)). Additionally, operators must maintain records of compliance with this directive, including documentation of the inspection itself and any subsequent corrective actions taken (Section 39.105(4)).
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide that non-compliance with ADs is an offence (Section 39.105(5)). Civil penalties may include fines up to the statutory maximum, as outlined in the regulations (Section 39.105(6)). Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, potentially leading to imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of the directive and the potential safety risks associated with non-compliance (Section 39.105(7)). Operators must therefore take the directive seriously to avoid these significant repercussions.