COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 Series Aeroplanes
AD/A320/3 Automatic Flight Control System 10/89
Applicability: All models A320.
Requirement: Action in accordance with S.B A320-24-1013 and S.B A320-24-1031.
Note: DGAC Telegraphic Airworthiness Directive T89-100-002(B) also refers.
Compliance: Prior to 31 December 1989.
Background: ILS and Autoland computer operation may be affected due to suspect wiring and connector reliability.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness of aircraft, including the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to ensure the safety of these aircraft by issuing specific Airworthiness Directives. For instance, AD/A320/3 pertains to the Automatic Flight Control System and mandates actions in accordance with Service Bulletins A320-24-1013 and A320-24-1031, focusing on issues related to the reliability of wiring and connectors which may affect ILS and Autoland computer operations. This directive underscores the importance of timely compliance to ensure the safety of these aircraft, with a compliance deadline set prior to 31 December 1989. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance aviation safety standards by addressing potential technical faults that could compromise the aircraft's operational integrity.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the maintenance and operational standards for civil aircraft in Australia, including the Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models of the A320 series and mandates adherence to Service Bulletins A320-24-1013 and A320-24-1031 to ensure the automatic flight control system's reliability and safety. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is nationwide, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia and enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive notes a compliance deadline of 31 December 1989, referencing concerns about the potential impact of wiring and connector issues on Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Autoland computer operations, as indicated in DGAC Telegraphic Airworthiness Directive T89-100-002(B). There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and the scope is extended to any operations involving the specified aircraft models within the Australian jurisdiction.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes the AD/A320/3 concerning the Airbus Industrie A319, A320 and A321 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates actions relating to the Automatic Flight Control System (section 10/89). It applies to all models A320 and requires adherence to Service Bulletins A320-24-1013 and A320-24-1031. The directive also references DGAC Telegraphic Airworthiness Directive T89-100-002(B) for additional guidance. Compliance with these directives must be achieved before 31 December 1989 due to concerns about potential issues with the ILS (Instrument Landing System) and Autoland computer operations, which may be compromised by suspect wiring and connector reliability.
The obligations imposed by this directive are primarily on aircraft operators and maintenance providers. They must ensure that all actions specified in the Service Bulletins are implemented correctly and on time. This includes detailed inspections, repairs, and replacements as necessary to address the identified wiring and connector issues. Operators are required to maintain thorough records of all actions taken to comply with these directives, as well as any subsequent maintenance or modifications performed on the affected systems. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to grounding and potential legal ramifications.
Violating the provisions outlined in the AD/A320/3 can result in significant penalties. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators and maintenance providers who fail to adhere to the Airworthiness Directives can face both civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include substantial fines, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring air safety. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the AD/A320/3 but are governed by broader aviation safety legislation, which can impose significant financial and custodial sanctions for non-compliance. Ensuring adherence to these directives is therefore not only a matter of regulatory compliance but also of maintaining the highest standards of safety in aviation operations.