COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AMD Falcon 50 and 900 Series Aeroplanes
AD/AMD 50/16 Passenger Oxygen Masks 9/99 TX
Applicability: Mystère Falcon 50, Mystère Falcon 900 and Falcon 900EX aeroplanes with Eros passenger oxygen masks Part Number (P/N) MW 37-09, MW 37-11, MW 37-14, MW 37-18, MW 37-28, MW 37-31 and MW 37-36 installed.
Note: The passenger oxygen masks are known to have been installed either in aircraft manufactured after 1 January 1997 or as in service replacements after January 1997.
Requirement: 1. Perform a functional test of the passenger oxygen masks in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual procedures and check that the P/N of the passenger oxygen mask bag is Scott P/N 289-601-235.
2. If an incorrect P/N passenger oxygen mask bag is found to be installed or the passenger oxygen mask fails the Requirement 1 functional test:
- install a placard on or adjacent to the seat as follows:
THIS SEAT IS NOT TO BE OCCUPIED DURING FLIGHT WHERE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN
IS REQUIRED TO BE AVAILABLE
b. replace the discrepant passenger oxygen mask.
Note: DGAC AD 1999-271-026(B) refers.
Compliance: 1. Within ten flights after the effective date of this Directive.
2. a. Before further flight.
2. b. Within one calendar month following the Requirement 1 inspection and functional test being carried out.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 2 August 1999.
Background: The French DGAC have advised that during functional testing of the passenger oxygen system on two Mystère Falcon 50 aeroplanes, passenger oxygen mask bags were found to have cracked at the junction between the bag and the oxygen supply hose. The faulty systems were found to be fitted with incorrect bags Scott P/N
289-801-235.
This Directive ensures that faulty systems are detected before they are required to be used and as an interim measure prevents passenger seats with discrepant systems from being used during flights that require supplementary oxygen to be available for passengers.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, include specific Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations in Australia. One such directive, AD/AMD 50/16, addresses the issue of passenger oxygen masks in Mystère Falcon 50, Mystère Falcon 900, and Falcon 900EX aeroplanes. This directive was introduced in response to concerns raised by the French DGAC about the integrity of passenger oxygen masks in these aircraft models, particularly the cracking of mask bags at the junction with the oxygen supply hose. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure that any defective passenger oxygen systems are identified and rectified before they can pose a risk to passengers during flights, thereby maintaining the high safety standards required under Australian civil aviation law. The directive mandates specific inspections and corrective actions, including the installation of placards on seats with non-compliant oxygen systems to prevent their use during flights where supplemental oxygen is necessary.
The enactment of this Airworthiness Directive by CASA aims to prevent potential hazards associated with faulty oxygen systems, ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. This regulatory measure underscores the importance of continuous oversight and proactive maintenance to safeguard passengers and crew on board. The directive requires compliance within a specified timeframe, reflecting the urgency and critical nature of the safety issue addressed. By implementing these measures, CASA reinforces its commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations within Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as detailed in Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically addresses the safety concerns related to passenger oxygen masks in Mystère Falcon 50, Mystère Falcon 900, and Falcon 900EX aeroplanes. This legislation applies to aircraft equipped with Eros passenger oxygen masks of certain part numbers and installed either post-January 1997 or as in-service replacements from that date. The regulations mandate that a functional test of the passenger oxygen masks must be performed in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual procedures and the part number of the passenger oxygen mask bag must be verified as Scott P/N 289-601-235. If the part number is incorrect or the mask fails the functional test, a placard must be installed on or adjacent to the seat, and the mask must be replaced. Compliance with these directives is required within ten flights from the effective date of 2 August 1999, with further flights not permitted until the required actions are completed and within one calendar month from the inspection and functional test. This directive aims to prevent the use of faulty oxygen systems that could compromise passenger safety during flights requiring supplemental oxygen.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, detail specific Airworthiness Directives, such as AD/AMD 50/16, which addresses passenger oxygen masks for the Mystère Falcon 50, Mystère Falcon 900, and Falcon 900EX aeroplanes. This directive applies to aircraft equipped with Eros passenger oxygen masks bearing specific Part Numbers (P/N) and manufactured or installed after January 1, 1997. The primary requirement is for operators to perform a functional test of these passenger oxygen masks in line with the applicable maintenance manual procedures. This test must confirm that the P/N of the passenger oxygen mask bag is Scott P/N 289-601-235. If a mask bag with an incorrect P/N is found, or if the mask fails the functional test, operators must install a placard on or near the seat stating "THIS SEAT IS NOT TO BE OCCUPIED DURING FLIGHT WHERE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN IS REQUIRED TO BE AVAILABLE" and replace the discrepant passenger oxygen mask. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with the requirement to complete these actions within ten flights from the directive's effective date, 2 August 1999, and subsequently before further flight and within one calendar month from the initial inspection and functional test.
Operators of the specified aircraft are obliged to ensure that their maintenance procedures include a functional test of the passenger oxygen masks, verifying the correct installation of the specified mask bag part number. Should any discrepancies be found during this test, immediate action must be taken to address the issue, including the installation of a warning placard and replacement of the faulty mask. These obligations are critical to maintaining the safety of passengers during flights where supplemental oxygen is necessary. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to specified maintenance protocols and ensuring that all safety-critical equipment is functioning correctly.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to significant consequences. The primary civil and criminal implications include potential airworthiness issues, which could result in the grounding of the aircraft until the deficiencies are rectified. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and may impose penalties for non-compliance, which could include fines or other sanctions. Ensuring adherence to these directives is essential for maintaining the safety standards required under Australian aviation law.