Airworthiness Directives 2004 - Revocation and Remaking - Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) Series Aeroplanes

Overview

The Airworthiness Directives 2004 is a legislative instrument enacted to address the need for updated and consolidated airworthiness directives for certain aircraft types. This legislative instrument was issued by David Alan Villiers, acting as a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under subregulation 39.001 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. The primary objective of this legislative instrument is to revoke the existing airworthiness directives and remake them in their latest published form to ensure the ongoing safety and compliance of aircraft within the specified categories, particularly the Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes. This ensures that the regulations remain current and effectively address any safety concerns that may have arisen since the original directives were issued.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directives 2004, issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), pertains specifically to the maintenance and operation of Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes. The legislation applies to aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance personnel who must comply with the detailed safety requirements outlined in the directives. These directives are designed to ensure that the aircraft in question meet the necessary safety standards, thus protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the aviation industry. The scope of the directives extends to all aeroplanes of the specified models, irrespective of the location where they are registered or operated within Australia, thereby ensuring a uniform approach to airworthiness across the Commonwealth. The Airworthiness Directives 2004 includes a range of specific requirements such as modifications to fuel selector levers, inspections of wing lift strut forks, and the installation of front seat restraint systems, among others. Each directive is meticulously detailed and attached to the legislative instrument. The legislation operates by revoking previous directives and re-making them to reflect the latest safety standards and amendments. While the directives are comprehensive, they do not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, thereby applying broadly to all relevant entities and conduct within the scope of the legislation.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directives 2004, issued under subregulation 39.001(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, revoke certain existing Airworthiness Directives pertaining to specific Piper PA-18 and 19 (Super Cub) series aeroplanes (sections 1(a) and 1(b)). These repealed directives are listed in Schedule 1 and are simultaneously re-made in the form they appear in the latest published edition of the directive. This means that, while the old directives are cancelled, new ones are issued to maintain regulatory consistency and clarity for the aviation industry. The Airworthiness Directives 2004 impose specific obligations and requirements on the parties and entities governed by these directives. These include detailed instructions on various modifications, inspections, and installations for the Piper PA-18 and 19 series aeroplanes. For instance, AD/PA-18/2 requires the installation of a fuel selector lever guard, while AD/PA-18/3 mandates an inspection of the wing lift strut forks (Schedule 1). These directives are designed to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants. Failure to comply with these Airworthiness Directives can lead to significant legal consequences. Section 39.001(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 empowers the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to impose penalties for non-compliance. While the exact penalties are not specified in the legislative instrument, general provisions within the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations outline that non-compliance can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties could be imposed, leading to imprisonment. The specific amount of fines and the exact nature of the criminal penalties would depend on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance.