AD/AUS/13 - Wing Root Fairing Band

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), encompass a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One of the specific enactments within this body of regulations is Part 39, which addresses Airworthiness Directives. The directive AD/AUS/13 pertains to Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes and is specifically concerned with the inspection of the wing root fairing bands on these aircraft. Enacted to address the potential issues of chafing and cracks in the wing root fairing bands, particularly near the screw-driver access hole at the wing trailing edge, this directive aims to ensure that these critical components are regularly inspected to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The requirement is to conduct these inspections at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service, ensuring ongoing safety and compliance with aviation standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for ensuring the safety of aircraft. This legislative instrument, AD/AUS/13, applies to Auster/Beagle A.61 series aeroplanes that are equipped with metal wing root fairing bands. The directive mandates that these aircraft must be inspected for the security and integrity of the wing root fairing bands, with particular attention given to the areas around the screw-driver access hole at the wing trailing edge. The inspection is required at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service to ensure compliance with the prescribed safety standards. The regulations apply across the Commonwealth of Australia, extending to all relevant aircraft within its jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and the application is comprehensive for the specified aircraft models and components. The regulatory framework may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, section 105, mandates a schedule of airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes (section 105). The focus here is on the wing root fairing band, as detailed in AD/AUS/13. This directive applies to all Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes that are fitted with metal wing root fairing bands (section 9/59). The primary requirement under this directive is to inspect the wing root fairing bands for security and any signs of chafing and cracks, with particular attention to the screw-driver access hole at the wing trailing edge (section 9/59). This inspection must occur at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety. Compliance with these airworthiness directives entails a series of obligations for aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. The directive mandates that the wing root fairing bands be inspected for security and any indications of wear or damage. This involves a thorough examination, particularly around the screw-driver access hole at the wing trailing edge, to ensure there are no chafing or cracking issues that could compromise the structural integrity of the wing (section 9/59). Additionally, operators must maintain detailed records of these inspections to demonstrate compliance with the stipulated intervals of not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in these airworthiness directives can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose strict penalties for non-compliance, which may include civil or criminal sanctions. The specific penalties are not detailed within the provided excerpt, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in substantial fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft in question. Operators must ensure that all inspections and maintenance activities are conducted in strict accordance with the regulations to avoid these potential repercussions. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, section 105, and the associated airworthiness directive AD/AUS/13, place a clear obligation on operators of Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes to inspect their wing root fairing bands regularly and meticulously. This inspection must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. Non-compliance with these requirements can result in severe civil and potentially criminal penalties, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to these regulatory provisions.