AD/AMD 20/28 - Overwing Emergency Exit

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, address safety standards and compliance requirements for aviation operations in Australia. Part 39, specifically, provides detailed regulations on airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules related to the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft to ensure ongoing safety. One such directive, AD/AMD 20/28, pertains to the overwing emergency exit of Fan Jet Falcon (Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200) series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address reported issues with the interference between interior trim and the emergency exit, ensuring that the exit can be reliably operated in emergency situations. The objective of this Airworthiness Directive is to mandate an opening test of the overwing emergency exit from inside the cabin, with compliance required within specified intervals to maintain safety standards. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, this directive aims to rectify the identified problem of interference with the emergency exit, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The requirement for an opening test every six months, or before a specified compliance date if longer, underscores the importance of regular checks to mitigate safety risks. This directive reflects the regulatory body's commitment to maintaining stringent safety protocols in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, govern the scope of airworthiness directives for civil aircraft operating within Australia, ensuring compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to the safety directives for the Falcon 20/Mystere-Falcon 200 series of aeroplanes. This legislative instrument applies to all models of the mentioned aircraft series, mandating that operators conduct an opening test of the overwing emergency exit from inside the cabin in accordance with the specified revisions of the aircraft maintenance manual. The directive applies to any entity or individual operating these aircraft within Australia, ensuring that safety checks are performed consistently to maintain airworthiness. This Airworthiness Directive is effective from 7 October 1999 and requires compliance from all operators, with tests to be performed before 7 November 1999 and at intervals not exceeding 12 months unless the test was performed within the last six months. The directive aims to address reported issues with interference between interior trim and the emergency exit during its operation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD/AMD 20/28) require the performance of an overwing emergency exit opening test on Fan Jet Falcon and Mystere Falcon 200 series aeroplanes. This is to ensure the safety and functionality of the emergency exits, which is critical for passenger safety during flights. The test must be carried out from inside the cabin, as specified in Chapter 5.40 of the relevant amendment of the aircraft maintenance manual for each model (sections 10/99, DMD11 755 Rev. 9 for the Fan Jet Falcon, DMD42 937 Rev. 6 for the Mystere Falcon 20-5, and DMD18 740 Rev. 11 for the Mystere Falcon 200). This directive applies to all models within the series and is effective from 7 October 1999. It references DGAC AD 1999-212-024(B), indicating a historical context for the directive. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this Act include conducting the specified opening test of the overwing emergency exit within the stipulated timeframes. The test must be performed before 7 November 1999 if it has not already been conducted within the last six months. After this initial compliance period, the test must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 12 months. This ongoing requirement ensures that the emergency exits remain functional and free from any potential interference issues, such as those reported between the interior trim and the exit on a Falcon 50 model. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious safety risks, and thus, there are significant consequences for non-compliance. While the specific legal penalties or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed in this legislative instrument, the overarching importance of compliance with aviation safety regulations suggests that non-compliance could lead to severe legal repercussions, including fines, sanctions, and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the mandated safety checks and maintenance procedures to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.