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/63 Electric Elevator Trim Speed - Modification 4/77
Applicability: Model 690A S/Nos. 11143 thru 11344 equipped with a Rockwell international installed Collins Radio Company AP 106 auto pilot (this AD does not apply to installations made in accordance with STC SA 1876 SW).
Document: 1. Rockwell International SB No. 162, Rev. 1 or 2. FAA AD 77-04-01.
Compliance: Part I - Before 30 April 1977.
Part II - Must be accomplished prior to re-activation of manual electric trim.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, is the principal piece of legislation governing civil aviation safety in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 was enacted to ensure the safety of aircraft and their operation by setting out detailed requirements for airworthiness and operational standards. This part was introduced to address the need for maintaining a high standard of safety in civil aviation, ensuring that all aircraft meet certain safety criteria before being permitted to fly. The Australian Parliament enacted these regulations to provide a comprehensive framework for civil aviation safety, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The policy objective behind these regulations is to safeguard the public by enforcing rigorous airworthiness standards and ensuring that all aircraft are maintained in a safe and reliable condition. This legislative instrument aims to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operation by imposing specific safety directives and compliance requirements on aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the maintenance and airworthiness of twin commander series aeroplanes, namely the Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700 models, which are critical to ensuring compliance with safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislation mandates modifications to the electric elevator trim speed for the Rockwell International installed Collins Radio Company AP 106 auto pilot on Model 690A aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 11143 to 11344. Notably, this directive does not apply to installations that have already been made in accordance with STC SA 1876 SW. The legislation specifies compliance requirements, stipulating that certain modifications must be completed before 30 April 1977, while others must be accomplished before the reactivation of the manual electric trim. This regulation has a national reach, applying to all relevant aircraft operating within Australia, thereby ensuring consistent safety standards across the Commonwealth.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation (Section 1) require that specific modifications be made to the electric elevator trim speed of certain Twin Commander aircraft models. Specifically, the regulation applies to Model 690A aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 11143 to 11344, which are equipped with a Rockwell International installed Collins Radio Company AP 106 autopilot. This directive does not apply to installations made in accordance with STC SA 1876 SW. Compliance with this Airworthiness Directive (AD) involves following the instructions detailed in either Rockwell International Service Bulletin No. 162, Revisions 1 or 2, or FAA AD 77-04-01. The modifications must be completed before April 30, 1977, for Part I, and prior to the re-activation of manual electric trim for Part II.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation (Section 2) are clear and precise. Aircraft owners and operators must ensure that the specified modifications are performed by certified personnel following the outlined procedures. The directive mandates that the necessary changes are implemented within the stipulated timeframes. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding and significant operational disruptions. Operators must also maintain records of compliance with this AD to demonstrate adherence to the regulatory standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance (Section 3), the legislation does not explicitly outline specific penalties within the provided text. However, under the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with ADs can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions, which may include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory measures. Additionally, failure to comply with ADs can lead to criminal charges if the non-compliance results in an accident or serious incident, potentially leading to imprisonment or substantial fines. Operators must therefore prioritise adherence to these directives to avoid any legal repercussions and ensure the continued airworthiness of their aircraft.