Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. A specific legislative instrument within this framework is F2006B07480, which pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for the Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns related to the wing tank fuel sumps of these aeroplane models, particularly those with Airframe Sequence Numbers below 0486. The problem it aimed to resolve included potential fuel system issues that could compromise the safety of the aircraft during flight. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate regular inspections and modifications to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aeroplanes, thereby protecting the safety of passengers and crew. This regulation underscores the commitment of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintaining stringent safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive (AD/TSA-600/14) applies to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series aeroplanes with Airframe Sequence Numbers below 0486. This legislation mandates specific inspections and modifications to the wing tank fuel sumps, ensuring the aircraft meet the required safety standards. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft models within the specified range of Airframe Sequence Numbers, aiming to prevent potential hazards associated with the fuel sumps. It applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, under the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This specific AD extends its applicability to all operations conducted within Australia, enforcing compliance with the outlined safety measures. No explicit exclusions or exemptions are stated within the text of this directive, implying that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the requirements. Subordinate instruments may further refine or extend the application of this directive, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage across the relevant aviation sector.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under PART 39 - 105, mandate specific safety directives for certain aircraft models to ensure airworthiness and safety. One such directive is AD/TSA-600/14, which pertains to Aerostar (Piper/Ted Smith) 600 and 700 Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, this directive addresses the inspection and modification of the wing tank fuel sumps. According to the directive (sections 105.125 and 105.126), all Aerostar aeroplanes with Airframe Sequence Numbers below 0486 are required to comply with the outlined procedures. Under this directive, operators of affected aeroplanes must ensure that before further flight after 29 March 1978, and subsequently prior to each flight until the modifications are completed in accordance with Part 2, the wing tank fuel sumps are inspected. The directive provides clear compliance timelines: for Part 1, inspections must be conducted before any further flight after 29 March 1978 and before each subsequent flight until the modifications are made. For Part 2, the modifications must be completed before 30 June 1978. The directive references Ted Smith Corp. Service Bulletin No. SB600-72.5/78 as the document containing the necessary details and procedures for compliance. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that the required inspections and modifications are carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in the referenced service bulletin. Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious safety hazards, as the directive aims to prevent potential fuel system failures that could compromise the aircraft's safety. Compliance with these provisions is not only a legal obligation but also a critical safety measure to protect the crew, passengers, and public. Non-compliance with the safety directives outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to severe consequences. Under section 105.130 of the Regulations, failure to adhere to the Airworthiness Directives can result in enforcement actions. The maximum penalty for non-compliance includes fines up to $12,600 for individuals and significantly higher penalties for corporations, alongside potential criminal charges. Additionally, operators may face legal actions that could result in the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed, thereby affecting the operational viability of the aircraft. These stringent measures underscore the importance of strict adherence to the safety directives to ensure the highest standards of airworthiness are maintained.