AD/AL 60/8 - Rudder Torque Tube - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the safety concerns associated with the Aermacchi - Lockheed AL 60 Series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. This legislative instrument was enacted to ensure that these aircraft maintain a high standard of airworthiness and safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Australian Government, issued this directive to rectify issues identified with the rudder torque tube of these models, aiming to mitigate risks associated with potential structural failures. The directive requires modifications to the rudder torque tube, including the drilling of a specified hole, to enhance the structural integrity of the aircraft and ensure compliance with safety standards before 1 September 1971. This legislative measure is essential in maintaining the safety and reliability of civil aviation within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses airworthiness directives pertaining to specific aircraft types, such as the Aermacchi - Lockheed AL 60 Series Aeroplanes, with this particular directive focusing on the modification of the rudder torque tube. This legislation applies to all operators and owners of AL 60 and AL 60B models, requiring them to undertake the specified modification to ensure continued airworthiness. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia and overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this directive, and compliance is mandatory, with the modification needing to be completed before 1 September 1971. This directive extends its application through subordinate instruments, which may include further detailed specifications or enforcement measures as needed by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 - 105, provides a detailed schedule of airworthiness directives for various aircraft types, including the Aermacchi - Lockheed AL 60 Series Aeroplanes. Within this schedule, AD/AL 60/8 pertains to a critical modification of the rudder torque tube. This directive applies to models AL 60 and AL 60B of the Aermacchi - Lockheed AL 60 Series Aeroplanes (s. 39 - 105). The requirement is to modify the rudder torque tube by drilling a 3/16 inch hole in the lower portion of the torque tube, located 3/8 inch above the lower bearing, as detailed in Figure 1 of Aeronautica Macchi Modification Bulletin No. 19. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 1 September 1971. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose clear obligations on the owners or operators of AL 60 and AL 60B aircraft. They must ensure that the specified modification to the rudder torque tube is completed before the stated deadline. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft not meeting the required airworthiness standards, potentially leading to safety concerns and operational restrictions. It is imperative that all modifications are carried out by qualified personnel and that any modifications are documented properly to demonstrate compliance. Violation of the provisions outlined in AD/AL 60/8 may result in various civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may issue a notice of proposed enforcement action, and if the non-compliance is deemed significant, CASA may take legal action. Civil penalties for non-compliance can include fines, with the maximum penalty potentially reaching $100,000 for corporations and $20,000 for individuals. In severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against the responsible parties, potentially leading to imprisonment. It is crucial for aircraft owners and operators to adhere to these regulations to avoid such severe repercussions.