AD/AC/60 - Aft Facing Seats - Placard - Installations

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B02119, were enacted to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft in Australian airspace. This particular legislative instrument focuses on addressing safety issues associated with the installation of aft-facing seats in certain models of the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) series aeroplanes. The requirement to install placards as per Rockwell International GA Division Service Bulletin No. 155 aims to provide clear and consistent warnings to passengers and crew about the risks associated with aft-facing seats. The policy objective is to enhance passenger safety by ensuring that relevant information is visibly and accurately communicated, thereby mitigating potential hazards during flight. The enacting body for these regulations is the Australian Government, specifically through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is tasked with maintaining and regulating aviation safety standards. Compliance with these airworthiness directives is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the specified requirements can result in significant penalties and potential grounding of non-compliant aircraft. The overarching goal is to maintain the highest possible safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting the public and ensuring the integrity of air travel within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives concerning the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/ Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to specific serial numbers of the 690/690A models, ranging from 111001 to 11268, and the 685 models, from 12000 to 12066. The directive mandates the installation of placards in accordance with Rockwell International GA Division Service Bulletin No. 155, which can be locally manufactured with the same wording as specified in the bulletin. Compliance is required before any flight involving passenger seats installed in an aft-facing position. This regulation applies nationally, encompassing all relevant aircraft within the specified serial numbers, and no exclusions or exemptions are mentioned within the directive itself. Subordinate instruments or amendments may further extend or clarify the application of this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a provision concerning the installation of placards in certain twin commander aeroplanes (section 9/75). This directive applies to Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes, specifically to models 690/690A with serial numbers 111001 to 11268 and all 685 models with serial numbers 12000 to 12066. The key requirement is the installation of placards in accordance with Rockwell International GA Division Service Bulletin No. 155. These placards must be installed before any flight carrying passengers if any seats are installed in an aft-facing position. It is important to note that these placards can be manufactured locally, provided they contain the exact wording specified in SB No. 155. The obligations imposed by this regulation are straightforward yet critical for ensuring passenger safety. Operators of the specified aircraft models and serial numbers must ensure that the appropriate placards are installed before any flight with passengers, particularly if any passenger seats are configured in an aft-facing position. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be adhered to strictly. The installation must be done in accordance with the guidelines provided in Rockwell International GA Division Service Bulletin No. 155, ensuring that the wording and specifications are precisely followed. This ensures that passengers and crew are adequately informed about any potential risks or operational considerations associated with aft-facing seats. Failure to comply with the requirements of this directive can lead to significant legal and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance in this particular directive; however, general provisions within the broader regulatory framework may apply. Non-compliance could result in enforcement actions by CASA, which might include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, or other regulatory penalties. Moreover, operating an aircraft without the mandated placards could be considered a breach of safety standards, potentially leading to civil or criminal liability if it results in an accident or incident. The severity of the consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the regulation. In summary, the directive mandates the installation of specific placards in certain Twin Commander aircraft models and serial numbers before any flight with passengers if any seats are installed in an aft-facing position. The placards must be compliant with Rockwell International GA Division Service Bulletin No. 155, which can be locally manufactured as long as they contain the exact wording. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to regulatory actions, fines, and potentially severe civil or criminal consequences if it results in an incident. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols to protect passengers and maintain the integrity of the aviation industry.