COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/ Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) Series Aeroplanes
AD/AC/34 Main Landing Gear Upper Bearing - Modification 12/67
Applicability: Models 500A, 500B, 560F, 680F, 680FL and 680FL(P) with S/Nos. 871, 875, 893 to 1535 except 1496, 1515, 1517, 1527, 1531, 1532 and 1534.
Document: Aero Commander SB No. 83, Rev. A. Compliance: Forthwith.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to regulate and standardise aviation safety across the nation. Among these regulations, Part 39 - 105 specifically addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which include crucial safety modifications and compliance requirements for various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/AC/34, pertains to the main landing gear upper bearing modification for Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address specific safety concerns identified in certain models, ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft through mandatory compliance with specified modifications.
The policy objective behind AD/AC/34 is to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the main landing gear upper bearing in the specified Twin Commander models, ensuring that these aircraft meet the necessary safety standards set by CASA. The directive applies to specific serial numbers within the Twin Commander series, excluding certain serial numbers identified as already compliant or otherwise exempt. Compliance with this directive is mandated forthwith, underscoring the urgency and importance of the required modifications to enhance aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate the application of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models, including the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to particular serial numbers within these models, namely 500A, 500B, 560F, 680F, 680FL, and 680FL(P), with the exclusion of serial numbers 1496, 1515, 1517, 1527, 1531, 1532, and 1534. The directive requires compliance with the specified modifications to the main landing gear upper bearing as outlined in Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 83, Revision A. This regulation is enforced forthwith to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft, thereby impacting the owners, operators, and maintenance providers of these aircraft models.
The application of these regulations is under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive is binding on all relevant parties within the Commonwealth, ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented to maintain the required safety standards. The scope of the regulation is limited to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, and compliance is mandatory for all aircraft falling within these parameters. No exclusions or exemptions are mentioned for the specified models and serial numbers, making the directive applicable to all affected aircraft. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may extend or restrict the application of this directive through subordinate instruments, ensuring the ongoing safety and compliance of civil aviation in Australia.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the Twin Commander series aeroplanes, detail the requirements and compliance measures necessary for maintaining the airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. Under section 12/67, the directive mandates a modification to the main landing gear upper bearing for certain models (500A, 500B, 560F, 680F, 680FL, and 680FL(P)) with specific serial numbers (871 to 1535, excluding 1496, 1515, 1517, 1527, 1531, 1532, and 1534). Compliance with this directive is to be achieved "forthwith," meaning immediately upon notification, as referenced in the Aero Commander Service Bulletin No. 83, Rev. A.
The obligations imposed by this directive are stringent and clear. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the specified modifications to the main landing gear upper bearing are carried out without delay. This involves reviewing the aircraft's serial number to confirm its applicability, sourcing the necessary parts and technical documentation from Aero Commander SB No. 83, Rev. A, and executing the modification as prescribed. The modifications must be performed by qualified personnel to ensure adherence to the required standards of airworthiness and safety.
Failure to comply with this directive can result in significant legal and safety consequences. Under section 12/67, non-compliance with an AD is a breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Such breaches can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for non-compliance may include substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required modifications are completed. The severity of the penalties reflects the critical importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to maintain the safety and integrity of air operations.