AD/AC/19 - Throttle Control Rod Ends - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. This legislation provides a comprehensive framework governing all aspects of civil aviation operations, including aircraft design, manufacture, maintenance, and air traffic management. Among its various provisions, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes critical safety measures for different aircraft types. One such directive, AD/AC/19, pertains to the inspection and replacement of throttle control rod ends for Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/ Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes, aiming to mitigate risks associated with potential mechanical failures in the aircraft's throttle system. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed forthwith, as stipulated in Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 74A, to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, encompasses specific regulations pertinent to aircraft airworthiness. One such regulation, detailed in PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Twin Commander series aeroplanes, specifically those identified as Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700, with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 730. This directive mandates an immediate inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of the throttle control rod ends for all specified models to ensure compliance with Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 74A. This regulation applies universally within the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby encompassing all operators and entities involved with the listed aircraft models, irrespective of their location within Australia's jurisdictional boundaries. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified in this directive, and its application is not extended or restricted by any subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) under Part 39, Section 105, contains an airworthiness directive specifically concerning the Twin Commander series aeroplanes, models 500, 600, and 700. Section (2) of this directive mandates an inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the throttle control rod ends for all aircraft within the specified serial numbers (S/Nos. 1 to 730). Compliance with this directive is immediate, as outlined in section (3), and it must be conducted in accordance with the Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 74A. This bulletin provides the technical and procedural guidance needed to carry out the required inspections and replacements effectively. Entities governed by this directive, such as aircraft operators and maintenance organisations, are obligated to ensure that the inspections and any necessary replacements of the throttle control rod ends are performed without delay. This involves detailed examination of the rod ends for any signs of wear, damage, or other conditions that could compromise the safety of the aircraft. If any issues are identified, the defective components must be replaced as per the specifications and instructions provided in the Aero Commander SB No. 74A. Failure to comply with this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Section (4) of the regulations stipulates that non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for breach include substantial fines and other regulatory sanctions. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach, but they are designed to ensure that all parties adhere to the highest safety standards to protect the integrity of the aviation industry.