AD/AC/12 - Horizontal Stabiliser - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B02071, targets the maintenance and airworthiness of certain aircraft models, in particular the Twin Commander series (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) aeroplanes. This instrument was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address potential safety issues related to the horizontal stabiliser of these aircraft models. The policy objective is to mandate immediate compliance with specified modifications to ensure that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards and can operate without risk of structural failure.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Twin Commander series of aeroplanes manufactured by Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander, models 500, 600, and 700, within the Commonwealth of Australia. This regulation mandates compliance with specific modifications to the horizontal stabiliser as outlined in either Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 57 or the Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive AD 59-6-1. The applicability extends to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 618 to 724, excluding those with serial numbers 700 and 718. Compliance with these directives is required forthwith, ensuring that all modifications are carried out without delay to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The regulation's jurisdictional reach is comprehensive within the Commonwealth, ensuring uniform safety standards are adhered to across the nation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes modifications and requirements for various aircraft types. This particular section focuses on the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes and mandates a modification to the horizontal stabiliser. This directive applies to Aero Commander Model 500 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 618 to 724, excluding serial numbers 700 and 718. Compliance with this directive must be immediate, and the relevant documentation includes either Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 57 or FAA AD 59-6-1. Under these regulations, the entities governed must ensure that the specified aircraft are modified according to the detailed requirements outlined in the directive. These modifications are critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety standards are met. The directive mandates that these modifications be completed without delay, underscoring the importance of timely compliance to maintain the safety and certification of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in significant consequences. The regulations stipulate that non-compliance with these directives can lead to serious safety risks, potentially resulting in the grounding of the aircraft. Furthermore, there may be legal repercussions for the aircraft operator or owner, including fines and other penalties as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties can vary, but they may include substantial monetary fines or, in severe cases, the revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, which would prevent it from flying until the required modifications are made. These provisions underscore the importance of adhering to the CASA directives to ensure the safety and legality of aviation operations.