AD/PA-34/6 Amdt 2 - Exhaust System - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include amendments aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation, introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), addresses potential safety issues related to the exhaust systems of certain Piper PA-34 models. The primary objective is to mitigate risks associated with exhaust system failures, which could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The amendments require detailed inspections of the exhaust systems, with particular attention to areas prone to cracks or looseness, and mandate regular checks to prevent wear and tear that could lead to serious safety hazards. By enforcing these inspection protocols, CASA seeks to uphold stringent safety standards in the operation of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) series aeroplanes. In this context, AD/PA-34/6 Amendment 2 pertains to the inspection of the exhaust system for specific models within the Piper PA-34 series. This directive applies to aircraft with serial numbers 34-E4, 34-7250001 and higher, which are equipped with exhaust stack assemblies part numbers 96465-00 and 96466-00. The requirement under this directive mandates a thorough inspection of the exhaust system to detect any cracks or broken pipes near welded areas, as well as to check for looseness of the pipes at mounting flanges. This inspection can be conducted and certified by the pilot as part of the daily inspection procedures. Additionally, the directive outlines further inspection requirements that should be carried out in accordance with Piper Service Bulletin No. 373A or FAA Airworthiness Directive 73-14-12, including the removal of the cabin air heater shroud to inspect for chafing marks on the exhaust pipe and cowls. Compliance with these inspection requirements is necessary within specific timeframes, with daily inspections for part 1 and inspections at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service following an initial inspection period of 10 hours after 28 September 1973 for part 2.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, contains specific airworthiness directives for various aircraft models, including the Piper PA-34 (Seneca) Series Aeroplanes. One such directive is AD/PA-34/6 Amendment 2, which focuses on the inspection of the exhaust system for Piper PA34-200 models with specific serial numbers and particular exhaust stack assemblies (section 9/73). The directive mandates two main inspection procedures. Part 1 of the directive requires the inspection of the exhaust system for any cracks or broken pipes, especially around welded areas, and for any looseness of the pipes around the mounting flanges (section 9/73). This inspection can be performed and certified by the pilot, providing some flexibility in its execution. Part 2 of the directive stipulates that the inspection must follow the guidelines set in Piper Service Bulletin No. 373A or Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Directive 73-14-12. In addition to the general inspection, Part 2 also requires the removal of the cabin air heater shroud to inspect the exhaust pipe for chafing marks caused by the shroud, and to inspect the cowls for any chafing marks (section 9/73). The frequency of these inspections is critical: Part 1 inspections must be conducted at each daily inspection, while Part 2 inspections must be performed within 10 hours of time in service after 28 September 1973, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service. The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are clear and specific. Operators of Piper PA34-200 aircraft with the specified serial numbers and exhaust stack assemblies must ensure that the outlined inspections are conducted meticulously. For Part 1, this means a daily check of the exhaust system, which is a routine but necessary task to ensure safety. For Part 2, operators must adhere to the detailed inspection procedures within the stipulated timeframes. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in serious safety risks, including potential engine failure or fire, which underscores the importance of strict adherence to these directives. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/PA-34/6 Amendment 2 could lead to significant legal consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 enforce strict penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Although the specific penalties for breaching this directive are not detailed in the provided text, it is well-established within the regulatory framework that non-compliance can result in substantial fines, potential grounding of the aircraft, and other civil or criminal penalties. Operators must ensure that they adhere to the inspection requirements to avoid these severe repercussions.