AD/AMD 10/6 - Pilot Seats Actuator End Fitting - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate civil aviation in Australia, providing comprehensive rules and standards for safety and operational efficiency. This legislation is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Part 39 - 105 within the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 specifically addresses Airworthiness Directives, which are critical in ensuring that aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. One such directive, AD/AMD 10/6, concerns the modification of pilot seats actuator end fittings in Falcon 10 Series Aeroplanes. This amendment was introduced to address the safety gap identified in the pilot seat actuator end fittings of certain Falcon 10 aircraft models, aiming to enhance the overall safety of these aircraft by mandating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1978. The policy objective is to maintain and improve airworthiness standards, thereby protecting passengers and crew in line with CASA's regulatory mandate.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, specifically address the safety and operational standards for civil aviation in Australia, ensuring compliance with stringent safety directives. This particular legislative instrument, F2006B02343, pertains to the modification of the pilot seats actuator end fitting in Falcon 10 series aeroplanes. It applies to all models with pilot or co-pilot seats serial numbers 1 to 122. Compliance with these safety directives is mandatory, with the modification required within 100 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance on 28 February 1978. This regulation extends its reach to ensure that all relevant aircraft meet the specified safety standards, thereby maintaining the high safety benchmarks set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The geographic scope of this directive is national, affecting all operators within Australian jurisdiction, and it is supported by subordinate documents such as AMD SB BA F10-0148 R2. (F10-25-009).

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate modifications to the pilot seats actuator end fitting for Falcon 10 Series Aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directive AD/AMD 10/6 (section 105.02). This directive applies to all models with pilot or co-pilot seats serial numbers 1 to 122. The modification is required to be implemented within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 28 February 1978, as detailed in the referenced document AMD SB BA F10-0148 R2 (F10-25-009) (section 105.03). This directive aims to enhance the safety and reliability of the seat actuator system, which is crucial for the pilots' operational effectiveness. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all aircraft operators who own or operate the specified Falcon 10 Series Aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the modification is carried out by authorised personnel and that the aircraft is inspected to confirm that the modification has been properly executed. Additionally, operators are required to maintain records of compliance with this directive, including documentation of the modification and the date it was performed (section 105.04). Failure to comply with the directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could prevent it from operating until the required modifications are made. Violating the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators who fail to comply with the directive. Potential penalties include fines and the potential grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved (section 105.05). Furthermore, in cases where non-compliance leads to an accident or incident, operators could face more severe penalties, including criminal charges if it is determined that the non-compliance contributed to the event (section 105.06). The maximum penalty for such offences can vary, but it can include substantial fines and imprisonment for individuals responsible for the non-compliance. It is essential for aircraft operators to be aware of their obligations under this directive and to ensure that all required modifications are carried out in a timely manner. By adhering to the regulations, operators can help ensure the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft, thereby protecting their passengers, crew, and the general public. Ensuring compliance not only avoids potential legal repercussions but also upholds the high standards of safety that the Civil Aviation Regulations aim to enforce.