AD/PA-36/7 - Wing Main Spar Centre Section - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation within Australia. Among its various provisions, Part 39 addresses airworthiness directives, with Schedule 105 specifically targeting Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) Series Aeroplanes. This directive, AD/PA-36/7, was introduced to address safety concerns related to the wing main spar centre section of the specified Piper PA-36 models. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority mandates compliance with this directive to ensure the structural integrity and safety of these aircraft. Compliance must be achieved within 10 hours of time in service following 19 June 1975, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 472. The overarching policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that aircraft meet specific airworthiness criteria.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all relevant aircraft operators, pilots, and maintenance personnel within the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which deals with Airworthiness Directives, imposes mandatory requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. This includes the Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) series aeroplanes with serial numbers between 36-7360002 and 36-7560055, which must adhere to the modifications outlined in AD/PA-36/7 regarding the wing main spar centre section. Compliance with these directives is crucial, as they must be implemented within 10 hours of time in service after 19 June 1975, as per Piper Service Bulletin No. 472. These regulations ensure that specified aircraft meet safety standards and are fit for operation within Australian airspace.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically targeting Piper PA-36 (Pawnee Brave) series aeroplanes. Section AD/PA-36/7 mandates a modification to the wing main spar centre section (section 7/75). This directive applies to all models within the specified serial number range: from 36-7360002 to 36-7560055 (section 7/75). Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with the requirement to implement the modification within 10 hours of time in service following 19 June 1975. This legislation imposes clear obligations on aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel. They are required to ensure that the specified models undergo the prescribed modification to the wing main spar centre section. The directive references Piper Service Bulletin No. 472, which provides the technical specifications and procedures necessary for the modification. The directive mandates that these modifications be completed within a stringent timeframe to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance could lead to penalties, which might include fines or other administrative actions. The seriousness of the non-compliance could potentially escalate to more severe repercussions, including the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. The exact penalties are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which has the authority to enforce the provisions of the AD to ensure safety standards are met. In summary, Section AD/PA-36/7 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 requires a specific modification to the wing main spar centre section of Piper PA-36 aeroplanes within a specified serial number range. The directive imposes strict compliance obligations on aircraft owners and operators, demanding timely implementation of the modifications as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 472. Breach of these obligations could result in penalties, administrative actions, and potential grounding of the aircraft, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to the directive for maintaining safety standards in civil aviation.