COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-38/14 Control Column Installation - Modification 11/79
Applicability: All models PA-38-112 with S/Nos. 38-78A0001 to 38-79A1160. Document: Piper SB No. 661.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished, within 100 hours time in service after 30 November 1979.
Background: It has been reported to the manufacturer that roughness or binding of the control shaft in the instrument panel can occur at the extremes of control movement.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One of the directives within this legislation, AD/PA-38/14, addresses the modification of control column installations for Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the problem of reported roughness or binding of the control shaft in the instrument panel at the extremes of control movement, which could compromise flight safety. The directive is applicable to all models PA-38-112 with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-79A1160 and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1979. The objective of this directive, as stated, is to mitigate potential hazards by ensuring that the control columns are properly installed and functioning without any binding or roughness. The regulations were enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the relevant legislative body responsible for civil aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), governs the airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. The legislative instrument F2006B05952 pertains to a particular directive concerning Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) series aeroplanes, notably models PA-38-112 with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-79A1160. The directive, AD/PA-38/14, mandates modifications to the control column installation to address reported issues of roughness or binding of the control shaft in the instrument panel, especially at the extremes of control movement. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for affected aircraft and requires the modification to be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 30 November 1979. This regulation applies to all entities and individuals operating such aircraft within Australian airspace, ensuring safety standards are met and maintained through adherence to the specified requirements.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, includes specific directives for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/PA-38/14, pertains to the modification of the control column installation for Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models PA-38-112 with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-79A1160. It mandates compliance with the requirements outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 661. Specifically, these requirements must be fulfilled within 100 hours of time in service after 30 November 1979. The directive arises from reports of potential issues such as roughness or binding of the control shaft within the instrument panel, particularly when the control is moved to its extremes.
The obligations imposed by this directive include ensuring that the control column modifications are performed by authorised personnel and that any necessary repairs or adjustments are made according to the guidelines provided in Piper Service Bulletin No. 661. Operators must ensure that their aircraft meet the specified requirements within the stipulated timeframe. This involves maintaining detailed records of the compliance process, including the dates and details of the modifications performed. Such records must be kept for a period of at least five years as required by the regulations.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/PA-38/14 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft. Such actions may include grounding the aircraft, imposing fines, or initiating legal proceedings against the operator. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, penalties for non-compliance can include fines of up to $11,100 for individuals and $55,500 for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment for more severe violations. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft and to protect the public from potential hazards arising from non-compliance.