AD/PA-34/35 - Fuselage Structure, LH Side Sta.108 - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Regulations includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandates safety measures and compliance for various aircraft types. The Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-34/35 addresses issues specific to Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on the fuselage structure at Station 108 on the left side. This directive was introduced to address a manufacturing defect identified by Piper Aircraft Corporation where twelve rivets were omitted during the assembly process, posing a potential safety risk. The aim of this directive is to ensure that the affected aircraft are inspected and modified to mitigate any risks, thereby maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, concerning the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models PA-34-220T Seneca 111 with specific serial numbers as listed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 711. The regulation mandates inspections and modifications to the fuselage structure on the left-hand side at Station 108. This requirement aims to address a manufacturing issue where twelve (12) rivets were omitted during assembly, which poses a safety concern. The directive requires compliance within specific time frames, either within 5 hours of time in service after 28 May 1981 for the initial inspection, and within 100 hours of time in service after the same date for any required modifications. The regulation is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all aircraft falling within the specified serial numbers. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes. The directive, AD/PA-34/35, pertains to the fuselage structure at Station 108 on the left side of the aircraft. This directive, dated 5 August 1981, is documented in Piper Service Bulletin (SB) No. 711. The directive requires inspections and modifications to the affected area to ensure continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Under section 39-105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, operators of the affected Piper PA-34-220T Seneca 111 models must comply with the specified inspection and modification requirements. The directive mandates that Part 1 of the inspection must be completed within 5 hours of time in service after 28 May 1981. For Part 2, the inspection and modification must be accomplished within 100 hours of time in service after the same date. The purpose of this directive is to address a manufacturing issue identified by the manufacturer where twelve rivets were omitted during the assembly of the fuselage structure at Station 108 on the left side of the aircraft. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the required inspections and modifications are performed by appropriately qualified personnel. They must also maintain accurate records of the inspections and modifications to demonstrate compliance with the directive. The operators are responsible for ensuring that the aircraft meets the specified airworthiness standards and remains safe for operation. Failure to comply with the requirements of the AD/PA-34/35 directive can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement action against operators who do not adhere to the directive, which can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness, or other regulatory actions. The severity of the penalties will depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any safety risks posed by the failure to comply with the directive. Operators are therefore required to ensure strict adherence to the inspection and modification requirements to avoid potential penalties and maintain the safety of their operations.