AD/AUS/7 - Engine Mount Attachment Bolt

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, address the safety and operational standards of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, the legislation includes detailed schedules of airworthiness directives aimed at ensuring the safety of various aircraft models. One such directive, AD/AUS/7, pertains to the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the engine mount attachment bolts. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation was introduced to address a specific safety concern regarding the bolts used in these aircraft models, ensuring that they comply with stringent safety standards to prevent potential failures. The policy objective is to maintain the highest levels of safety within Australia’s civil aviation sector by mandating precise compliance with specified technical standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that all Auster/Beagle A.61 Series aeroplanes must comply with the Airworthiness Directive (AD) regarding the engine mount attachment bolts. This legislation applies to all models within the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series, focusing on the critical safety requirement of inspecting the heads of the upper and lower engine mount attaching bolts for identification marking and replacing any bolts marked “NEWTON” with high tensile bolts to B.S.S. Specification No. 2A.15. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be carried out forthwith to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. This directive is a national regulation under the Commonwealth of Australia and extends its application to all entities and individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of Auster/Beagle A.61 Series aeroplanes within Australia’s jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39 - 105, contain specific Airworthiness Directives that govern the maintenance and safety of aircraft within Australia. One such directive is AD/AUS/7, which pertains to the Auster/Beagle A.61 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the engine mount attachment bolts (section 4/50). This directive applies to all models within the specified series (section 1). The primary requirements outlined in this directive are straightforward: operators must inspect the heads of both the upper and lower engine mount attaching bolts to ensure they have the correct identification marking (section 1(1)). Additionally, any bolts identified as "NEWTON" must be replaced with high tensile bolts that meet the B.S.S. Specification No. 2A.15 (section 1(2)). The directive mandates that these inspections and replacements must be carried out forthwith, underscoring the urgency and importance of these safety measures (section 1). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations are clear and specific. Aircraft operators must ensure that all inspections and replacements of the engine mount attachment bolts are conducted without delay. This involves not only identifying the bolts but also ensuring that any bolts marked "NEWTON" are replaced with the appropriate high tensile bolts. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in non-compliance with the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, potentially leading to aircraft being grounded or not being permitted to fly until the issues are rectified (section 1). These obligations are designed to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, protecting both the passengers and crew. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline potential penalties and legal ramifications. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the directive itself, non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Such actions may include fines, orders to rectify the non-compliance, or in severe cases, the suspension of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate. These measures are intended to enforce adherence to safety standards and ensure that aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. The potential penalties underscore the importance of timely and thorough compliance with the directive's requirements.