AD/BAe 146/22 - Stall Ident and Warning

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. Within this body of regulations, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives to maintain the safety standards of aircraft. One such directive, AD/BAe 146/22, was introduced to address the problem of incorrect speed law in the stall identification summing unit Part No C81606-3 of the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes, particularly models 200 and 200A with specific serial numbers and modifications. This directive mandates compliance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-109-00503C, a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) mandatory service bulletin, to rectify the identified issue and ensure the safe operation of these aircraft. The objective of this regulation is to prevent potential safety risks associated with inaccurate stall warnings, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series aeroplanes, specifically models 200 and 200A with serial numbers E 2012 and subsequent, that were embodied with modification HCM 00503B before delivery or retrofitted by Service Bulletin 27-94-00503B. This regulation is a crucial component of aviation safety in Australia, ensuring that the aircraft conform to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The requirement is that these aircraft must undertake action in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-109-00503C. This action pertains to rectifying the issue with the stall identification summing unit Part No C81606-3, which has been identified to have an incorrect speed law. This directive is particularly significant as it follows a mandatory service bulletin issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to 31 August 1991, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing this safety issue within the specified timeframe.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in PART 39 - 105 (Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives) regarding the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes, specify the requirements and actions necessary for ensuring the safety and compliance of these aircraft models. For example, AD/BAe 146/22 mandates the installation of a stall identification and warning system in BAe 146 models 200 and 200A with specific serial numbers (sections 10/90 and 22). This action must comply with British Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) 27-109-00503C and must be completed before 31 August 1991 for aircraft that were either delivered with or retrofitted by SB 27-94-00503B. The directive also references the UK Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) mandatory status, reinforcing the urgency and necessity of compliance. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are primarily concerned with ensuring that the specified aircraft models meet stringent airworthiness standards. Operators of BAe 146 models 200 and 200A must adhere to the outlined modifications and installation requirements to prevent operational hazards related to incorrect speed law in the stall identification summing unit Part No C81606-3. This includes conducting thorough checks and, where necessary, retrofitting the aircraft to meet the specified safety standards. The directive applies to all aircraft within the serial number range and those that have already incorporated the modification HCM 00503B. Compliance is non-negotiable, and failure to adhere to these requirements can result in severe operational and safety risks. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act can lead to various legal and operational consequences. The primary concern is the potential for unsafe aircraft operations, which could result in catastrophic accidents. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can enforce a range of penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are made. The specific penalties and consequences are outlined in the broader Civil Aviation Regulations, but the seriousness of airworthiness directives cannot be understated. Ensuring that all aircraft meet these standards is crucial for maintaining the highest levels of safety in civil aviation.