AD/Para/16 Techno 240-B Reserve Parachute (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (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.

Parachute Equipment

AD/PARA/16 Techno 240-B Reserve Parachute 7/2006 TX

Applicability:

Parachutes de France Techno 240-B Reserve Parachute, part number R 01-240-B, all serial numbers.

Requirement:

Use of the affected parachute is prohibited.

Note:  EASA AD 2006-0105-E refers.

Compliance:

From the effective date of this Directive.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 May 2006.

Background:

The European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) has determined that the opening altitude loss/opening time of the Techno 240-B reserve parachute is not acceptable.  Also, EASA has rejected the manufacturer’s proposed solution, Safety Bulletin BSC_06_002 dated 21.04.2006.  As a consequence, the use of all Techno 240-B reserve parachutes is prohibited.  This is considered to be an interim action until an acceptable solution is achieved.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

1 May 2006