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-38/20 Radio Support Installation 11/82
Applicability: All model PA-38 with S/Nos. 38-78A0001 to 38-82A0091. Document: Piper SB No. 748.
Compliance: Within 25 hours time in service after 29 September, 1982.
Background: The manufacturer has reported a condition which if undetected could result in restriction of the flight controls.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended in 2006, are a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Part 39, specifically addressing airworthiness directives, includes the AD/PA-38/20 for Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address the risk of undetected conditions that could compromise flight controls, as reported by the manufacturer. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the body responsible for regulating and enforcing compliance with these regulations, aims to mitigate such risks to ensure the continued safety of air travel.
This legislative instrument targets all model PA-38 aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, mandating compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 29 September 1982. The directive is based on Piper SB No. 748, which highlights the necessity of installing a radio support to prevent potential flight control restrictions. The overarching policy objective is to maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation, thereby protecting both passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all persons, entities, and entities operating the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-82A0091. This legislation sets forth the airworthiness directives for these aircraft, ensuring compliance with safety standards established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The scope of this regulation encompasses all activities related to the operation, maintenance, and modification of these specific aircraft models within Australian jurisdiction. Operators of the affected aircraft must adhere to the directive within 25 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 29 September 1982, as stipulated by Piper SB No. 748. This requirement aims to address a reported condition that could potentially restrict flight controls if left unrectified, thereby ensuring the continued safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, contain a series of airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of specific aircraft types. Section 39-105 focuses on the Piper PA-38 (Tomahawk) Series Aeroplanes, specifying the radio support installation outlined in AD/PA-38/20, dated 11/82. This directive applies to all model PA-38 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 38-78A0001 to 38-82A0091. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 25 hours of time in service following 29 September 1982, as detailed in Piper Service Bulletin No. 748. This requirement stems from a reported condition by the manufacturer that, if left unaddressed, could result in restricted flight controls.
The obligations imposed by this directive are quite clear. Aircraft owners, operators, or maintenance personnel must ensure that the specified modifications or checks on the radio support installation are completed within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with this directive can result in the aeroplane being considered non-airworthy, which would prevent it from being flown until the required modifications have been made and approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Additionally, operators must maintain records of compliance, including documentation of the work performed and certification from authorised personnel.
Non-compliance with AD/PA-38/20 can lead to serious consequences. Under Section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the operation of an aircraft that does not meet the required airworthiness standards can be considered an offence. This can result in civil penalties, including fines of up to $165,200 for individuals and $826,000 for corporations, as per current maximum penalties. Furthermore, persistent non-compliance could result in more severe penalties, including imprisonment for individuals, and potentially the revocation of the operator's licence. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of all air travel.