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/A320/66 Improved Water Ingress Protection
for Avionics 90VU and 91VU
5/96
Applicability: All models A320 without Airbus Industrie modifications 21999 or 22119 embodied, or without Airbus Industrie SB A320-24-1054 incorporated.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Airbus Industrie SB A320-24-1054.
Note: DGAC AD 96-040-076 (B) refers.
Compliance: Prior to 28 February 1999.
This Directive has effect from 25 April 1996.
Background: This Directive is issued to improve the protection in the avionics compartment from accidental spillage of liquids in cabin or galley area.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, establish the regulatory framework for civil aviation safety. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B01954, addresses the issue of water ingress in the avionics compartments of Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of accidental liquid spillage in the cabin or galley area affecting the avionics systems. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of air travel by ensuring that avionics are adequately protected from potential water damage. The directive, which took effect from 25 April 1996, applies to all models of the A320 series that have not incorporated specific Airbus modifications or service bulletins aimed at improving water ingress protection. Compliance with this directive was required prior to 28 February 1999, ensuring that airlines take necessary actions as specified in Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-24-1054.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction. AD/A320/66 pertains to Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes, requiring action to improve water ingress protection for avionics in specified models. This directive applies to all A320 models that do not have Airbus Industrie modifications 21999 or 22119 incorporated, or Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-24-1054 implemented, necessitating compliance with the directive by adhering to the specified service bulletin. The directive was issued to enhance protection against accidental liquid spills in the avionics compartment, which could otherwise lead to significant safety hazards. The requirement to comply with this directive was enforced prior to 28 February 1999, with the directive coming into effect from 25 April 1996. The directive's applicability is limited to the geographic jurisdiction of Australia, and it does not extend to other territories or international waters unless otherwise specified by subordinate legislation or international agreements.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, PART 39 - 105, specifically AD/A320/66, mandate improvements to the water ingress protection for avionics compartments in Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. According to section 39-105, this directive applies to all models of A320 that have not incorporated Airbus Industrie modifications 21999 or 22119, or Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-24-1054. The directive requires action in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-24-1054 to enhance the protection of avionics from accidental liquid spillage in the cabin or galley area. Compliance with this directive is required before 28 February 1999, and the directive has been effective since 25 April 1996. The directive references DGAC AD 96-040-076 (B) for further details.
The obligations and requirements imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 under AD/A320/66 are clear and specific. Operators of the affected Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes must ensure that the necessary modifications or actions specified in Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-24-1054 are implemented. This involves inspecting and, if necessary, retrofitting the avionics compartments to prevent damage from accidental liquid spills. Operators must verify that their aircraft meet the specified modifications or service bulletins before the compliance deadline of 28 February 1999. This includes maintaining records and documentation that demonstrate compliance with the directive, which may be subject to audit or inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/A320/66 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance within the provided text; however, the implications of failing to adhere to airworthiness directives can be severe. Non-compliance could potentially lead to the grounding of an aircraft until the necessary modifications are made, which could disrupt operations and result in financial losses. Furthermore, non-compliance with airworthiness directives may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which could include fines, legal action, or other regulatory measures. The severity of these actions can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the extent of the non-compliance.