Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the regulation and maintenance standards for civil aviation operations in Australia, including the issuing of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such AD pertains to Falcon 50 and 900 Series aeroplanes, with Amendment 1 focusing on the nose gear shock absorber of the Falcon 900 aircraft. This amendment was enacted to address a safety concern identified by the manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, regarding the potential for nose gear retraction when the nose gear is not fully extended. The requirement stems from a procedure defined to check the charge of the low pressure chamber of the nose gear shock absorber, ensuring compliance with Dassault Aviation Alert Service Bulletin F900-150. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace by mandating specific maintenance actions and compliance deadlines. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia through CASA, which acts to mitigate risks associated with civil aviation. The specific AD targeting the Falcon 900's nose gear shock absorber was introduced to address a safety gap identified by the manufacturer and regulatory authorities. The requirement to perform the action in accordance with Dassault Aviation Alert Service Bulletin F900-150, with a compliance deadline set prior to 13 November 1994, underscores the urgency and importance of addressing this potential safety issue. By aligning with the DGAC AD 94-098-014(B)R1, this amendment ensures that the safety standards set forth by both Australian and international regulatory bodies are met, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Falcon 50 and 900 series aeroplanes operating within Australia, thereby falling under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This regulation sets forth the airworthiness directives that must be followed to ensure the safety of these aircraft, including specific maintenance and inspection requirements. For the Falcon 900 aircraft, the regulation mandates actions concerning the nose gear shock absorber in accordance with Dassault Aviation Alert Service Bulletin F900-150. Compliance with this directive is essential to prevent the risk of gear retraction when the nose gear is not fully extended. The requirement must be met unless already accomplished prior to the specified date, 13 November 1994. The regulation also references DGAC AD 94-098-014(B)R1, which was revised to necessitate a modification aimed at preventing the retraction of the landing gear under certain conditions. This regulation extends its reach through subordinate instruments, allowing CASA to update and adapt the airworthiness directives as necessary to maintain the highest safety standards for civil aviation in Australia.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, particularly Amendment 1 for the Falcon 900 aircraft, mandate a specific action concerning the nose gear shock absorber. Section 1 of the directive requires compliance with Dassault Aviation Alert Service Bulletin F900-150, which is a procedural guideline intended to ensure the low pressure chamber of the nose gear shock absorber is correctly charged. This directive references DGAC AD 94-098-014(B)R1, which mandates that the required action must be completed before 13 November 1994. The purpose of this directive is to prevent the risk of gear retraction when the nose gear is not fully extended. The obligations imposed by this Act on the relevant parties include following the outlined procedure in the Dassault Aviation Alert Service Bulletin F900-150. This entails checking and ensuring the correct charging of the low pressure chamber of the nose gear shock absorber on the Falcon 900 aircraft. Operators and owners of the Falcon 900 must ensure that these procedures are carried out by the specified date, and any relevant maintenance records should reflect compliance with these directives. Furthermore, any modifications or actions taken should align with the standards set forth by the DGAC AD 94-098-014(B)R1. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may impose penalties or other legal actions for failure to adhere to the airworthiness directives. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, general regulations often include fines, sanctions against the operator’s license, or other enforcement actions to ensure safety and compliance. It is crucial for operators and owners to be aware of these potential consequences and to act accordingly to avoid any adverse outcomes. Ensuring compliance not only maintains the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft but also avoids legal repercussions that could affect their operational status.