AD/AUS/12 Amdt 1 - Tailplane Attachment Stubs and Leading Edge Tubes

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, addresses the safety and airworthiness of aircraft by issuing directives on maintaining specific aircraft models. This legislation was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of aircraft in operation, particularly in the context of the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/AUS/12 Amendment 1, was introduced to address issues related to structural integrity, specifically focusing on the tailplane attachment stubs and leading edge tubes. This amendment was made to include a more defined schedule for inspections and maintenance, responding to a documented incident involving an in-flight failure due to corrosion, thereby reinforcing the commitment to safety within the aviation industry. This legislative instrument aims to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operation by mandating specific maintenance protocols. The requirement to install safety tubes and split pins, along with regular inspections for cracks, is a direct response to identified vulnerabilities in the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes. By establishing clear and periodic inspection intervals, the regulation seeks to prevent failures and ensure that the aircraft remain airworthy, thereby protecting both the operators and the public. The directive’s enforcement underscores the legislative body's dedication to maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate airworthiness directives specifically targeting the Auster/Beagle A.61 series aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/AUS/12 Amendment 1. These directives apply to all models of the specified aircraft series and mandate the installation of a tailplane safety tube and safety split pin as per Auster Modification numbers 2555 and 3234. Furthermore, the regulations require the removal of the tailplane and sufficient fabric to facilitate thorough inspection of the tailplane attachment stubs for cracking, particularly around the bolt holes. For tailplanes constructed using brazing methods and bearing serial numbers prior to AUS 697 GD/W and AUS 698 GD/W, it is imperative to inspect the root ends of the leading edge tubes for any cracking, especially near the brazed saddle washers at the attachment bolt holes. The inspection process is strongly recommended to be conducted using the dye penetrant method, with suitable tear-off patches provided at the inspection areas. Compliance with these directives is critical, with specific timelines and intervals outlined for different models of the aircraft. The regulations extend to all entities and persons operating Auster/Beagle A.61 series aeroplanes within Australian airspace, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards. These directives are a subset of broader civil aviation regulations and are enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no stated exclusions within the text, and the regulations apply nationally across all states and territories of Australia. The scope and enforcement of these directives may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes, mandates certain safety measures for these aircraft types. In accordance with AD/AUS/12 Amendment 1, all models of the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series aeroplanes must install a tailplane safety tube and safety split pin, following Auster Modification numbers 2555 and 3234 (Requirement 1). Furthermore, it is necessary to inspect the tailplane attachment stubs for any cracking near the bolt holes, and for tailplanes constructed by brazing, inspect the root ends of the leading edge tubes for cracking, particularly near the brazed saddle washers at the attachment bolt holes (Requirement 2). This inspection should ideally be carried out using the dye penetrant method and should be accompanied by suitable tear-off patches at the inspected areas. The Act imposes specific obligations on the owners and operators of these aeroplanes to ensure compliance with the outlined safety measures. Prior to 30 September 1959, the tailplane safety tube and safety split pin must be installed. For aeroplanes not yet inspected within two years prior to 29 February 1996, the inspection must be completed by 30 May 1996. Thereafter, for Auster J5F models, inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service or two years, whichever comes first, while for all other models, inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding 250 hours of time in service or two years, whichever comes first. Breaches of these safety requirements may result in severe civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not outlined in the text, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This might include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, or other regulatory measures. The severity of the penalty would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as any resultant harm or risk to aviation safety.