AD/AC/32 - Aileron Cable Drum Cable Retainer - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, serve as a comprehensive framework governing civil aviation activities within Australia. Among the various regulations, Part 39 addresses specific directives to ensure airworthiness, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) responsible for issuing and enforcing these directives. The legislative instrument F2006B02091, known as AD/AC/32, targets the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/ Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) Series Aeroplanes, specifically mandating modifications to the aileron cable drum cable retainer on certain model 680FL Series aircraft. This directive aims to address identified safety concerns and ensure compliance with safety standards, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by implementing timely and necessary modifications to prevent potential hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all aspects of civil aviation within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring the safety and efficiency of aviation operations. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives, mandates that the regulations govern the operational standards and modifications required for certain aircraft models to maintain their airworthiness. This particular Airworthiness Directive AD/AC/32 focuses on Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) series aeroplanes, particularly the Model 680FL Series with specific serial numbers. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, with the modifications required to be undertaken forthwith. The directive specifies the modification of the aileron cable drum cable retainer as per Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 89. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, applying to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified in this directive, and it does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments beyond the outlined requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the Airworthiness Directives for certain series of aeroplanes, including the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700). This regulation mandates modifications to the aileron cable drum cable retainer for specific models. More precisely, section 12/67 pertains to the Model 680FL Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 1261 to 1450, as well as serial numbers 1461, 1462, 1464, and 1466. Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, meaning that the specified modifications must be implemented immediately. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and direct. Owners and operators of the affected Twin Commander aeroplanes must adhere to the instructions provided in Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 89, which details the necessary modifications to the aileron cable drum cable retainer. These modifications are crucial to ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question. Failure to comply with the directive could result in serious safety issues, potentially leading to in-flight failures or other hazardous situations. Breaching the requirements set forth in this Airworthiness Directive can lead to significant legal and operational repercussions. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and take necessary action against non-compliance. Such actions could include fines, suspension of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, or other regulatory measures. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, but they can be substantial and vary depending on the severity and nature of the breach. It is important for operators to ensure they adhere to the directive to avoid any potential legal or safety issues.