AD/PA-36/15 Amdt 1 - Tail Wheel Assembly - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006, form a crucial part of Australia’s aviation safety framework. This legislative instrument, established by the Parliament of Australia, addresses gaps in ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft operating within the nation’s airspace. The specific amendment, F2006B05931, pertains to the Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) Series Aeroplanes, targeting the modification of the tail wheel assembly to enhance safety. The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the issuance date of 30 June 1977, ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet stringent safety standards as outlined in Piper SB No. 506. This measure is integral to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the aircraft within the specified serial number range.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, encompasses the Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) Series Aeroplanes. This particular Airworthiness Directive AD/PA-36/15 Amendment 1 focuses on the tail wheel assembly modification for all models within the specified serial number range of 36-7360001 to 36-7660135. The directive is applicable to aircraft operators, maintenance personnel, and any entity involved in the operation or maintenance of these aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. It mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 30 June 1977, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation extends its reach across the entire nation, reflecting the federal oversight of aviation safety in Australia. Notably, the directive does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the outlined serial numbers and time in service compliance requirement. The application and enforcement of this directive may be further elaborated or modified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains specific provisions for the Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) series aeroplanes, notably AD/PA-36/15 Amendment 1 (AD/PA-36/15 Amdt 1). This amendment pertains to the tail wheel assembly and applies to all Piper PA-36 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 36-7360001 to 36-7660135. The directive is based on Piper Service Bulletin No. 506 and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 30 June 1977. The directive mandates that the specified models undergo a modification to the tail wheel assembly to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. Operators and owners of Piper PA-36 aeroplanes within the specified serial number range must ensure that the required modifications to the tail wheel assembly are carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This involves following the detailed instructions provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 506 to ensure the modification is performed correctly and the aircraft remains airworthy. The compliance requirement is strict, with a clear deadline of 100 hours of time in service post the directive's effective date. Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aircraft being considered non-airworthy, which could lead to operational restrictions or grounding. Failure to comply with AD/PA-36/15 Amdt 1 can have serious legal and operational consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance with an airworthiness directive can result in regulatory action by CASA. This may include fines, enforcement actions, and potentially criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to safety incidents. The specific penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can vary but may include substantial financial penalties and, in severe cases, imprisonment for individuals found responsible for failing to adhere to the mandated safety standards. Therefore, it is crucial for operators and owners to take the directive seriously and ensure timely and proper compliance.