AD/PA-34/28 - Glove Compartment - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia, addressing issues and gaps in the regulation of airworthiness, safety standards, and operational practices within the aviation industry. Specifically, PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES contains detailed regulations designed to maintain and enhance the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-34/28, pertains to the modification of the glove compartment in Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes, with the aim of addressing specific safety concerns associated with these aircraft models. The directive was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with safety standards that mitigate identified risks, ensuring that the operations of these aircraft do not compromise the safety of passengers, crew, or the public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, govern various aspects of aviation safety within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules that ensure aircraft meet specific safety standards. This part applies to all aircraft registered in Australia, including the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes, which are subject to particular airworthiness directives such as AD/PA-34/28 concerning the glove compartment modification. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying to all aircraft operations within Australian territory. The applicability of these directives is stringent, targeting specific model series and serial numbers of the Piper PA-34-200 aeroplanes, with the requirement for compliance within 100 hours of time in service after the specified date of 31 October 1978. This ensures that any modifications necessary to meet safety standards are implemented promptly. The regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions but rely on subordinate instruments and specific bulletins, such as Piper SB No. 412, to detail compliance requirements and procedures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (subsections 39.105.000 to 39.105.095), detail the requirements and obligations for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. In this context, AD/PA-34/28 (subsection 39.105.095) focuses on the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes, addressing the modification of the glove compartment. This directive applies to all PA-34-200 models with serial numbers ranging from 34-7250001 to 34-740084 (subsection 39.105.095(a)). The main operative sections of this legislation require the modification of the glove compartment in the specified Piper PA-34-200 models. This modification must be carried out unless it has already been accomplished (subsection 39.105.095(b)). The compliance period is set within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1978 (subsection 39.105.095(c)). The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 412 (subsection 39.105.095(d)) for the detailed specifications and procedures to be followed. The obligations imposed by this legislation are clear and specific. Operators and owners of the affected Piper PA-34-200 aeroplanes must ensure that the glove compartment modifications are carried out as per the directive. They must verify that the modifications are completed within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours of service following the specified date. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the aeroplane being considered unairworthy, thereby prohibiting its operation until the modifications are completed (subsection 39.105.095(e)). The consequences of non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in relation to AD/PA-34/28, can be significant. Civil penalties may be imposed for violations, which can include fines up to the maximum penalty specified by the regulations (subsection 39.105.095(f)). Additionally, the continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with the airworthiness directive could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, including grounding of the aircraft and potential prosecution under civil or criminal law (subsection 39.105.095(g)). The exact penalties and consequences are determined based on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety.