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-42/2 Nacelle Fuel Tank Check Valve - Installation 4/83
Applicability: All model PA-42 with S/Nos. 42-7800002 to 42-8001070. Document: Piper SB No. 736.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 30 June 1983.
Background: Should an engine fire occur, a broken fuel scavenge pump return line assembly could become a source of flame propagation.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, were enacted to regulate civil aviation safety in Australia, ensuring compliance with international standards and maintaining public safety. One of the legislative instruments under this act is F2006B05986, which addresses the issue of potential flame propagation from a broken fuel scavenge pump return line assembly in Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes. This instrument was introduced to rectify a specific safety concern identified in certain model PA-42 aircraft, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 42-7800002 to 42-8001070. The policy objective was to mandate the installation of a nacelle fuel tank check valve to mitigate the risk of engine fires, as outlined in Piper Service Bulletin No. 736, within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1983. This legislative measure was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, aiming to enhance aviation safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the issuance of Airworthiness Directives, which are mandatory safety regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address safety issues in aviation. The legislative instrument F2006B05986 focuses on Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes, outlining the requirement for the installation of a nacelle fuel tank check valve to mitigate the risk of engine fires. This directive applies to all model PA-42 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 42-7800002 to 42-8001070. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1983, as referenced in Piper Service Bulletin No. 736. The regulation aims to prevent engine fires that could be caused by a broken fuel scavenge pump return line assembly, which could propagate flames. The scope of this directive is limited to the specified model and serial numbers of the Piper PA-42 series, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the given text. The application of these regulations is overseen by CASA, ensuring that all applicable aircraft meet the specified safety standards.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically in Part 39 - 105, detail the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of Piper PA-42 (Cheyenne III) series aeroplanes. Section 39-105 focuses on Airworthiness Directives (AD) and mandates specific checks and modifications to ensure safety, as exemplified in AD/PA-42/2 concerning the nacelle fuel tank check valve installation. This section applies to all Piper PA-42 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 42-7800002 to 42-8001070. The compliance requirement, as stated in the document Piper SB No. 736, necessitates that the specified modifications be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1983. The directive was issued to mitigate the risk of engine fires, particularly where a broken fuel scavenge pump return line assembly could propagate flames.
The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 on the relevant parties are clear and stringent. Owners and operators of the specified Piper PA-42 aeroplanes must ensure that the nacelle fuel tank check valve installation is completed in accordance with the requirements outlined in AD/PA-42/2. This involves a detailed inspection of the fuel scavenge pump return line assembly and the subsequent installation of the required modifications. These obligations are designed to enhance the safety of the aircraft and protect the lives of those on board. The regulations mandate that any modifications or inspections must be performed by certified personnel who are knowledgeable about the specific requirements and procedures outlined in the directive.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly the requirements set out in AD/PA-42/2, can result in significant consequences. The Act imposes both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Under section 222 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), any person who contravenes a regulation can face a civil penalty of up to $165,000 for an individual and up to $825,000 for a body corporate. Additionally, section 224 of the same Act allows for the imposition of criminal penalties, including fines of up to $165,000 for individuals and $825,000 for bodies corporate, and potential imprisonment for up to two years. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the safety directives and maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft.