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/71 Aft Engine Mount Attachment - Inspection 10/80
Applicability: All models 690B with S/Nos. 11535 to 11566. Document: Rockwell International SB No. 173.
Compliance: Within 100 hours’ time in service after 31 October 1980.
Background: The manufacturer advises that the aft engine mount fitting may not be properly mounted to the firewall.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, are comprehensive regulations that govern civil aviation safety and operations within Australia. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B02131, pertains to Airworthiness Directives concerning certain aircraft models. This particular instrument, AD/AC/71, addresses the inspection of aft engine mount attachments for the Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes. The directive was introduced to address a potential safety issue where the aft engine mount fitting might not be properly mounted to the firewall, as highlighted by Rockwell International Service Bulletin No. 173. The objective of this directive is to ensure that the specified aircraft models undergo necessary inspections within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1980, thereby mitigating risks associated with improper mounting and enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to certain Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/Aerocommander 500, 600, and 700) series aeroplanes. The directive pertains to aircraft models 690B with serial numbers ranging from 11535 to 11566 and mandates an inspection of the aft engine mount attachment. This directive is grounded in a recommendation by Rockwell International, referenced in Service Bulletin No. 173. Compliance with this directive requires that the specified inspection be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1980. The regulation applies to all entities and persons involved in the operation and maintenance of the specified aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. No exclusions or exemptions are stated within the directive itself, though the scope of application may be further defined through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains a schedule of airworthiness directives which mandate certain actions for the safety of aircraft operations. One such directive, AD/AC/71, pertains to the inspection of the aft engine mount attachment for Twin Commander (Gulfstream/Rockwell/ Aerocommander 500, 600 and 700) Series Aeroplanes. This directive is applicable to all models 690B with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 11535 to 11566 (section 10/80). The compliance requirement is that an inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1980 (section 10/80). The directive is based on Rockwell International Service Bulletin No. 173, which highlights potential issues with the aft engine mount fitting not being properly mounted to the firewall (section 10/80).
Under these regulations, the primary obligation for operators of Twin Commander aircraft within the specified serial number range is to ensure that the inspection of the aft engine mount attachment is performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and within the prescribed timeframe. The aim is to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft by rectifying any potential structural deficiencies that could compromise flight safety. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being grounded until the required inspections and any necessary repairs have been carried out.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. If an operator fails to comply with the requirements of AD/AC/71, they may face enforcement action under section 13.01 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which allows for the imposition of civil penalties. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with these regulations can be significant, including fines up to $198,600 for individuals and $993,000 for corporations, as well as potential criminal sanctions if the non-compliance is found to be wilful or negligent. Additionally, the non-compliance could result in the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, leading to further operational disruptions and financial costs.