AD/ANSON/17 Amdt 1 - Engine Mounting Sub-Frame - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), enacted by the Parliament of Australia, establish a comprehensive framework for the regulation of civil aviation within Australia, including safety standards and directives. Part 39, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the ongoing safety of specific aircraft types, including the Avro Anson and Avro 19 series aeroplanes. The problem this legislation seeks to address is the need for consistent and stringent safety standards to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft, thereby protecting the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public. The policy objective of this particular amendment, AD/ANSON/17 Amendment 1, is to ensure that engine mounting sub-frames are inspected at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service, in response to identified safety issues as outlined in Avro Technical Service Bulletin No. 80. This amendment is part of CASA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all persons and entities involved in the operation, maintenance, and certification of the Avro Anson and Avro 19 series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislation mandates compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure that these aircraft maintain their airworthiness. The regulations require operators and maintenance personnel to inspect the engine mounting sub-frame of these aircraft at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service time, as detailed in AD/ANSON/17 Amendment 1, referencing Avro Technical Standard Order (TSB) No. 80. The geographic scope of these regulations is national, applying across all states and territories of Australia, ensuring uniform standards for civil aviation safety. The regulations do not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions but are enforced through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, which may further detail compliance requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, address the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically focusing on the Avro Anson and Avro 19 Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/ANSON/17Amdt 1 pertains to the inspection of the Engine Mounting Sub-Frame. This directive applies to all Anson and Avro 19 aircraft, mandating a specific and recurring inspection regimen to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety standards (section 11/67). This requirement is grounded in technical service bulletins, such as Avro TSB No. 80, which provide detailed guidelines and criteria for the inspection. Entities and individuals governed by this legislation must comply with the outlined inspection intervals. The mandate necessitates that inspections of the Engine Mounting Sub-Frame be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This stipulation is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft, ensuring that any potential issues are identified and rectified promptly (section 11/67). Compliance with these inspections is a non-negotiable requirement, as they are integral to the aircraft's operational safety. Failure to adhere to the specified inspection intervals can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with the Airworthiness Directives can lead to severe penalties and legal ramifications. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, operators and owners of the affected aircraft may face substantial fines and potential criminal charges. The specific penalties can vary, but they often include financial penalties up to several thousand dollars, reflecting the gravity of disregarding air safety directives. Additionally, continued non-compliance could result in the grounding of the aircraft, disrupting operations and potentially endangering lives. Therefore, it is imperative that all parties involved strictly follow the stipulated inspection intervals to avoid these serious repercussions.