COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes
AD/AUS/10 Rudder Cables and Elevator Trim Tab Cables 8/55
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Inspect rudder cables for corrosion and wear and broken wires, particularly those portions of the cables that pass over the control system pulleys.
2. Inspect elevator trim tab cables or wires, as applicable, for corrosion, wear, broken wires and other damage, particularly in the vicinity of the fairleads and at the attachment point of the cable to the trim tab operating lever. Ensure that the fairleads are free from foreign matter.
3. During the inspection, move the rudder and elevator trim tab controls to both extremes of their travel to expose as much of the cables as possible for examination.
4. Replace defective cables and wires before further flight.
Compliance: Initially upon the cables or wires completing 100 hours time in service and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 50 hours time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, introduced Airworthiness Directives for Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislative instrument, identified as AD/AUS/10, was enacted to address safety concerns related to rudder cables and elevator trim tab cables. The objective of this directive is to ensure the structural integrity and operational safety of these critical components through regular inspections and timely replacements. The regulations require inspections of rudder cables for corrosion, wear, and broken wires, with a particular focus on sections passing over control system pulleys, as well as inspections of elevator trim tab cables or wires for similar issues, especially around fairleads and attachment points. Movement of rudder and elevator trim tab controls during inspections is mandated to ensure comprehensive examination of the cables. Compliance necessitates initial inspections upon the cables or wires reaching 100 hours of service, followed by subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of service.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all Auster/Beagle A.61 series aeroplanes operating within the Australian airspace, and their application is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These regulations mandate specific inspection and maintenance procedures for rudder cables and elevator trim tab cables to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of these aircraft. The regulations apply to all models within the specified series and require detailed inspections for signs of corrosion, wear, broken wires, and other damage, with a particular focus on areas such as control system pulleys, fairleads, and attachment points. The compliance schedule dictates an initial inspection after 100 hours of service, followed by inspections at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of service. Any defective cables or wires identified during these inspections must be replaced before further flight operations. The legislation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, but it does leave room for further detailing through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional clarity or extend the scope of the regulations.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain provisions governing the airworthiness of certain aircraft models, including the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes. One of these provisions is AD/AUS/10, which pertains to the inspection and maintenance of rudder cables and elevator trim tab cables (s. 8/55). This directive applies to all models within the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series, ensuring that specific maintenance checks are carried out to maintain the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft.
Under AD/AUS/10, several key requirements are outlined. Firstly, the regulation mandates that rudder cables be inspected for signs of corrosion, wear, and broken wires, with a particular focus on sections passing over control system pulleys (s. 8/55(1)). Secondly, it requires the inspection of elevator trim tab cables or wires, as applicable, for similar issues, with an emphasis on areas around the fairleads and at the attachment point to the trim tab operating lever. During this inspection, it is essential to ensure that the fairleads are free from foreign matter (s. 8/55(2)). Furthermore, the regulation specifies that the rudder and elevator trim tab controls should be moved to their extremes of travel to allow for a thorough examination of the cables (s. 8/55(3)). Any defective cables or wires identified during the inspection must be replaced before the aircraft is flown further (s. 8/55(4)).
The compliance requirements of AD/AUS/10 necessitate that the initial inspection of the rudder cables and elevator trim tab cables be performed upon the cables or wires completing 100 hours of service time. Following this initial inspection, subsequent inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of service time (s. 8/55). These requirements are crucial for ensuring the ongoing safety and airworthiness of the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/AUS/10 may lead to significant civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in severe penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, including fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of adhering to these safety regulations to protect the public and ensure the safe operation of aircraft.