AD/AC-112/1 - Aileron Hinge Doublers - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were established to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One of the significant updates within these regulations is the inclusion of Part 39 - 105, which addresses specific Airworthiness Directives for various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/AC-112/1, pertains to Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection and modification of aileron hinge doublers. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the identified structural components of these aircraft models, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 3 to 380. The compliance requirement mandates that these inspections and modifications be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 28 November 1975, as outlined in Rockwell International Service Bulletin SB-112-35. The overarching policy objective of this directive is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by addressing potential structural vulnerabilities.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series Aeroplanes, with serial numbers ranging from 3 to 380. The directive mandates the inspection and modification of aileron hinge doublers as detailed in Rockwell International Service Bulletin No. SB-112-35. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 28 November 1975. The directive extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range, ensuring adherence to safety standards. The scope of the regulation is limited to the specific models and serial numbers mentioned, and compliance is mandatory for maintaining airworthiness. There are no exclusions or exemptions stated within the directive, meaning all applicable aircraft must meet the specified requirements to remain legally airworthy.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, focus on ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Under this regulation, AD/AC-112/1 pertains to the Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series Aeroplanes and mandates aileron hinge doublers for inspection and modification. This directive applies to all model 112 aircraft with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 3 to 380 (Part 39 - 105 AD/AC-112/1). The compliance requirement is clearly stated to be within 100 hours of time in service after 28 November 1975, and the directive references Rockwell International Service Bulletin (SB) No. SB-112-35 as the source document for these requirements (Part 39 - 105 AD/AC-112/1). The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Owners and operators of the affected Gulfstream (Rockwell) 112 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the aileron hinge doublers are inspected and modified as per the directive. This includes reviewing the Rockwell International SB No. SB-112-35 to understand the precise technical specifications and procedures. Furthermore, they are required to maintain proper documentation and records of compliance with this directive, which can be requested by CASA during an inspection or audit. These obligations are critical to ensure that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and can be operated without risk of failure in the aileron hinges (Part 39 - 105 AD/AC-112/1). Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/AC-112/1 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered an offence. The penalties for such breaches may include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. Specifically, the maximum penalty for non-compliance can extend to substantial fines, reflecting the seriousness of compromising aviation safety. Additionally, persistent non-compliance can lead to grounding of the aircraft, which can severely impact operations and potentially result in significant financial and reputational damage to the operators (Part 39 - 105 AD/AC-112/1). CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions, which may include legal proceedings, to ensure adherence to these critical safety directives.