AD/AC/20 - Rudder Trim Tab Hinge Mount - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia, addressing various safety, operational, and administrative aspects to ensure the integrity and safety of air travel within the country. One particular aspect of these regulations is found in Part 39, which focuses on the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. The purpose of these directives is to mandate specific safety measures and maintenance practices to be observed by operators of certain aircraft types. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the body responsible for enforcing these regulations and ensuring compliance through the issuance of directives like AD/AC/20 concerning the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) Series Aeroplanes, which target specific safety concerns such as the inspection of rudder trim tab hinge mounts. The overarching policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation in Australia, thereby protecting the public and ensuring the reliability of aircraft operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the maintenance and operation of aircraft in Australia, with a particular focus on the safety directives for the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/ Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates inspections of the rudder trim tab hinge mount for these aircraft models, serial numbers ranging from 151 to 892, excluding serial numbers 871 and 875. The inspection must be conducted in accordance with the Aero Commander Service Letter No. 114A. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance personnel within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Compliance is required at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of time in service, reinforcing the commitment to safety and operational integrity in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertain to Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Section 39.055 mandates compliance with these directives for aircraft registered in Australia, ensuring that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. This section references the AD/AC/20 concerning the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/ Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) series aeroplanes. Specifically, section 39.105(1) details the requirement for a specific inspection of the rudder trim tab hinge mount. This inspection is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties or entities it governs are quite clear. Operators and owners of the Twin Commander series aeroplanes within the specified serial numbers must comply with the inspection requirements set out in AD/AC/20. The inspections must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 500 hours’ time in service, as outlined in section 39.105(1). The document referenced, Aero Commander SL No. 114A, provides further details and guidance on the inspection procedures and standards to be adhered to. In terms of enforcement, the Act includes provisions for offences and penalties associated with non-compliance. Section 39.055(2) states that failure to comply with an AD can result in serious consequences. Specifically, section 39.055(3) outlines that non-compliance with ADs can be treated as an offence, leading to potential civil or criminal penalties. The maximum penalties for such offences can include fines up to $21,000 for individuals and higher amounts for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment for more severe violations. Additionally, CASA can take enforcement actions such as grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved, further underscoring the importance of adhering to these directives.