AD/ANSON/18 - Attachment Bolts - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a comprehensive framework governing the safety and operation of civil aviation within Australia. These regulations, particularly Part 39 - 105, address the issuance of airworthiness directives to ensure that aircraft are maintained in a safe and airworthy condition. This part includes specific directives for particular types of aircraft, such as the Avro Anson and Avro 19 Series Aeroplanes. The policy objective of these regulations is to enhance aviation safety by mandating regular inspections and maintenance of critical components, such as attachment bolts, to prevent in-flight failures and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority issues these directives, which require compliance with inspection intervals of no more than 4,000 hours of service or 5 years, whichever is sooner. This ensures that aircraft remain in a safe operational condition, addressing any identified safety issues through timely and specific maintenance actions. The regulations aim to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety, thereby protecting public interest and ensuring the reliability of air travel within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft, including the Avro Anson and Avro 19 series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates inspections of attachment bolts on these aeroplanes to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive applies to all Anson and Avro 19 series aircraft and requires that inspections of the specified attachment bolts be conducted at intervals not exceeding 4,000 hours of time in service or every five years, whichever comes first. The geographic scope of this regulation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, and it encompasses all relevant operators, including private and commercial entities. There are no exclusions or exemptions outlined within the directive, but further specifications or adjustments may be provided through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/ANSON/18, require that inspections of attachment bolts on Anson and Avro 19 series aeroplanes be conducted at intervals not exceeding 4,000 hours of service time or 5 years, whichever is less (Part 39 - 105). This regulation is directly referenced in Avro Technical Service Bulletins No. 80, paragraphs 2.2 to 2.3, and TSB No. 88. These bulletins provide detailed guidance on the types of inspections and the methods to be used. The aim is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by maintaining the integrity of critical attachment bolts. The obligations imposed by these regulations are clear and stringent. Owners and operators of Anson and Avro 19 series aeroplanes must ensure that these inspections are carried out by appropriately certified personnel. This includes ensuring that any identified issues are addressed promptly and in accordance with the technical service bulletins. The regulations require meticulous record-keeping, documenting each inspection to demonstrate compliance and ensure traceability. The onus is on the operator to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft by adhering to these specified intervals and standards. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines up to a substantial amount, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight and operation of the aircraft. These strict measures underscore the importance of adhering to the regulations to prevent potential safety hazards. The specific penalties are outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations and can be enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which has the authority to take action against non-compliant entities.