AD/PA-38/13 - Magnetic Compass Mounting Hardware

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the safety and regulatory compliance for aircraft operations in Australia, with Airworthiness Directives (ADs) playing a critical role in maintaining aircraft safety standards. One such directive, AD/PA-38/13, pertains to the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes, addressing the problem of magnetised mounting hardware for the magnetic compass. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of excessive compass deviations caused by the magnetisation of the compass mounting hardware, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of these aircraft. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after its issuance on 21 October 1979, aiming to replace the existing mounting hardware with non-magnetic materials. This regulation is enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the policy objective of enhancing the safety of civil aviation by ensuring that aircraft maintain the required airworthiness standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, apply to the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation mandates the compliance of all models within the specified range of 38-78A0001 to 38-78A0025. The scope of this regulation includes ensuring that the mounting hardware for the magnetic compass is replaced with non-magnetic materials to prevent issues such as excessive compass deviations due to magnetisation. The directive is applicable to all operators of the affected aircraft models and must be adhered to within 100 hours of time in service following the issuance date of 21 October 1979. The regulations apply across the Commonwealth of Australia and are enforced through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring uniform compliance and safety standards throughout the national airspace. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions outlined in this directive, and its application is mandatory for the specified aircraft models within the stipulated timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which include AD/PA-38/13 concerning the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes. This directive addresses the magnetic compass mounting hardware (Section 10/79). It applies to all models within the series 38-78A0001 to 38-78A0025. The directive is based on Piper Service Letter No. 877, Part VI, and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 21 October 1979. The directive mandates that the mounting hardware used for the magnetic compass in these aeroplane models be replaced to prevent it from becoming magnetised, which could cause excessive compass deviations. The installation must use non-magnetic materials to ensure the integrity of the compass readings. Operators of these aeroplanes are required to adhere to this directive to maintain the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. They must ensure that the specified changes are made within the stipulated timeframe to comply with CASA regulations. Failure to comply with AD/PA-38/13 could result in the aeroplane not meeting the required airworthiness standards, potentially leading to safety hazards during flight. The regulations impose a legal obligation on aircraft operators to ensure their aeroplanes conform to these directives. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include grounding the aircraft until the required modifications are made. It is the operator's responsibility to ensure that the directive is adhered to and that all necessary inspections and modifications are documented appropriately. In terms of penalties, failure to comply with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed within the directive itself but are governed by the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations. CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions, which can include imposing fines, suspending or revoking airworthiness certificates, and taking legal action against non-compliant operators. It is crucial for operators to understand and meet these regulatory requirements to avoid any legal repercussions.