COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-42/1 Powerplant Firewall - Inspection 10/81
Applicability: All model PA-42 with serial numbers 42-7800002 to 42-8001034. Document: Piper SB No. 727.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 October 1981, or prior to issue of certificate airworthiness, whichever occurs first.
Background: Some mounting holes in the firewall may have been left open and unplugged during manufacture.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as the primary legal framework governing civil aviation safety in the country. One particular regulation, AD/PA-42/1, addresses a specific issue identified with the Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) Series Aeroplanes concerning the powerplant firewall. This regulation was introduced to ensure that all model PA-42 with serial numbers within the specified range undergo a mandatory inspection to rectify a potential manufacturing defect where some mounting holes in the firewall may have been left open and unplugged. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by ensuring that these aircraft meet the required standards before they can be issued with a certificate of airworthiness or continue in service beyond 100 hours of operation post the directive's effective date of 31 October 1981.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aims to mitigate risks associated with incomplete manufacturing processes by mandating a thorough inspection and necessary repairs to the firewall mounting holes. This measure is intended to prevent potential in-flight hazards, thereby ensuring the continued safety and reliability of the affected aircraft within the Australian aviation sector. The regulation underscores the commitment to stringent safety standards and continuous oversight in maintaining airworthiness.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a directive for Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/PA-42/1, mandates that all model PA-42 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 42-7800002 to 42-8001034 must undergo an inspection of the powerplant firewall. This requirement is applicable to any person or entity that operates these specific aeroplanes within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive applies to any aeroplanes manufactured within the specified serial number range and emphasises compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1981, or prior to the issuance of a certificate of airworthiness, whichever comes first. This directive is intended to address a manufacturing issue where some mounting holes in the firewall may have been left open and unplugged, thereby necessitating the inspection to ensure safety and compliance with aviation standards.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes, detailed in AD/PA-42/1. This AD mandates a specific inspection requirement for the powerplant firewall (section 10/81). The directive applies to all model PA-42 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 42-7800002 to 42-8001034. The directive's background indicates that there was an issue during the manufacture of some of these aircraft where mounting holes in the firewall might have been left open and unplugged. This potential defect necessitates a thorough inspection to ensure airworthiness and safety.
The main requirement under this directive is for an inspection of the firewall to be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1981 or before the issue of a certificate of airworthiness, whichever comes first. The directive references Piper SB No. 727 as the document that should be followed for compliance. This means that operators and owners of the specified Piper PA-42 aeroplanes must ensure that this inspection is carried out by a certified individual in accordance with the specified schedule to maintain compliance with aviation safety standards.
The obligations imposed by this directive are primarily on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that the specified inspection is conducted by a qualified individual in accordance with the requirements outlined in Piper SB No. 727. Failure to comply with this directive can result in serious safety implications, as the directive is designed to prevent potential hazards that could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft's firewall. Operators must document the inspection and keep records of any actions taken to address any issues found during the inspection.
The consequences for non-compliance with this Airworthiness Directive can be significant. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can take enforcement action against operators who fail to comply with the requirements. Civil penalties can include fines, and in severe cases, CASA can suspend or revoke the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft, which would prevent it from flying until the issues are rectified. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can vary, but they are designed to ensure that all operators take the required actions to maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.