AD/General/37 Amdt 9 Emergency Exits (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/GENERAL/37 Amdt 8 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Aircraft - General

AD/GENERAL/37 Amdt 9 Emergency Exits 5/2005

Applicability:

All aircraft that have an emergency exit which is not a normal entry/exit/service door. However, this directive does not apply to emergency exits that are destroyed when operated, such as exits that require the smashing of a window or ripping of a fabric panel.

Requirement:

With the aircraft in its normal operating configuration, i.e. with all trim and interior fittings installed, operate the emergency exits in accordance with the placarded instructions.  When the operating mechanism is protected by a breakable cover, this may be removed before operating the exit.

Compliance:

1.    Aircraft not maintained to an approved system of maintenance, or where the approved system of maintenance does not specify periodic checking of the exits’ operation:

a.     Unpressurised aircraft: at periods not exceeding 12 months;

b.    Pressurised aircraft: at periods not exceeding 6 months.

2.    All aircraft:  at any time there is role equipment or an interior configuration change that may inhibit operation of the exit.

This Amendment becomes effective on 12 May 2005.

Background:

Inspections have revealed that, after a relatively short period of time, it can be impossible in some cases, and extremely difficult in others, to open emergency exits.  Experience has also shown opening of exits can be inhibited by equipment/interior reconfigurations installed after testing the exit’s operation.

Amendment 7 ensured that emergency exits which are destroyed during operation were not subject to the requirement.

Amendment 8 simplified the applicability and compliance requirements.

Amendment 9 corrects the inclusion of aircraft under a system of maintenance in the calendar compliance period requirements.

Amendment 8 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 20 January 2005.

Amendment 7 of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 13 May 2004.

The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective 15 October 1966.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

1 April 2005