COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-36/18 Wing Main Spar Carry Through Assembly - Inspection
5/77
Applicability: All models with S/Nos. 36-7360001 to 36-756003 inclusive, with Main Spar Carry Through Assembly P/N 97370-00 installed.
Document: Piper SB No. 552.
Compliance: As detailed in the requirement document.
Note: Retirement of Wing Main Spar Carry Through Assembly is detailed in AD/PA- 36/6A.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B05934, are a pivotal component of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, these regulations aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the nation. The specific airworthiness directive AD/PA-36/18 pertains to Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) series aeroplanes, addressing the critical requirement for the inspection of the Wing Main Spar Carry Through Assembly. This directive applies to all models with specific serial numbers and a particular part number for the main spar carry through assembly. Compliance with this directive is intended to mitigate risks associated with the identified component, thereby enhancing the overall safety standards of civil aviation. The policy objective is to ensure that aircraft meet stringent safety criteria, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 apply to all aspects of civil aviation within Australia, including the operation, maintenance, and airworthiness of aircraft. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 pertains to airworthiness directives that must be complied with by aircraft operators and maintainers. One such directive, AD/PA-36/18, applies to all Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 36-7360001 to 36-756003 inclusive, and those equipped with the Main Spar Carry Through Assembly part number 97370-00. The directive mandates specific inspection requirements as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 552 and requires compliance as specified in the directive document. This regulation ensures the ongoing airworthiness of the specified aircraft by addressing structural integrity issues related to the wing main spar carry-through assembly. Furthermore, the directive does not apply to aircraft outside of the specified serial number range or those not equipped with the specified part number, and it is enforced through CASA’s regulatory oversight.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, include specific airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, such as the Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) series aeroplanes. Section AD/PA-36/18, issued on 5/77, pertains to the wing main spar carry-through assembly and mandates inspections for all models with serial numbers ranging from 36-7360001 to 36-756003 inclusive, provided they have a Main Spar Carry Through Assembly part number 97370-00 installed. Compliance with these directives is governed by the requirements detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 552. It is important to note that the retirement of the Wing Main Spar Carry Through Assembly is separately addressed in AD/PA-36/6A.
The obligations under this directive require owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-36 series aeroplanes to conduct thorough inspections of the wing main spar carry-through assembly as per the outlined specifications. These inspections are intended to ensure that the assembly meets the necessary safety standards and is fit for continued operation. Owners and operators must adhere to the detailed requirements as specified in Piper Service Bulletin No. 552 to maintain compliance with the regulations.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be considered an offence. The potential penalties for such offences include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The specific maximum penalties can vary based on the severity of the breach and the regulatory context, but they serve as a strong deterrent against non-compliance. Additionally, operators found in breach of these directives may face suspension or revocation of their aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, which could lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed.