COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes
AD/BAe 146/50 Generator Control Unit 8/94
Applicability: All series BAe 146 aircraft.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Avro International Aerospace Mandatory Inspection Service Bulletin S.B.24-103 dated 24 March 1994.
Note: CAA(UK) AD 014-03-94 refers.
Compliance: Prior to 30 November 1994.
Background: The CAA(UK) have advised that investigation of in-service generator control unit (GCU) failures has highlighted the possibility that GCUs repaired or rectified by workshops other than GEC-Marconi, may have the under-frequency trip level set too high. This Directive requires the one time inspection of GCUs for possible incorrect under-frequency trip level settings and, if necessary, adjustment of the settings. The CAA(UK) compliance time is extended by two calendar months.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, govern the safety and operational standards for civil aviation within Australia. One of the key components of these regulations is Part 39, which includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. AD/BAe 146/50, which pertains to British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addresses the generator control unit (GCU) to ensure its safety and proper functioning. This directive was introduced to address potential safety risks associated with GCU failures, particularly those involving incorrect under-frequency trip levels. The policy objective is to ensure that all BAe 146 aircraft have GCUs inspected and, if necessary, adjusted to meet the required safety standards. This action is mandated to maintain the airworthiness and operational safety of the aircraft in line with international safety standards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in Part 39 - 105, establish specific Airworthiness Directives that apply to British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/BAe 146/50, pertains to the Generator Control Unit (GCU) and mandates compliance with Avro International Aerospace Mandatory Inspection Service Bulletin S.B.24-103 dated 24 March 1994. The directive applies to all series of BAe 146 aircraft and requires actions to be taken in accordance with the referenced bulletin. The directive aims to address potential issues identified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regarding GCU failures, specifically focusing on the under-frequency trip level settings. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a specified deadline of 30 November 1994, although the UK CAA has granted an extension of two additional calendar months. This directive does not explicitly outline exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but relies on the detailed instructions provided in the mandatory service bulletin to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft in question.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates particular safety measures for British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes. This directive (AD/BAe 146/50) pertains to the Generator Control Unit (GCU) and applies to all series of BAe 146 aircraft. The primary requirement (Section 39 - 105) is for operators to perform actions as specified in the Avro International Aerospace Mandatory Inspection Service Bulletin S.B.24-103 dated 24 March 1994. This action involves inspecting the GCU for any incorrect under-frequency trip level settings and adjusting them if necessary. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 30 November 1994.
Operators and entities governed by this directive have specific obligations. They must ensure that the inspection and, if necessary, the adjustment of the GCU's under-frequency trip level is performed in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in the referenced service bulletin (S.B.24-103). This involves a thorough examination of the GCU to verify its settings and to make any corrections to meet the specified requirements. Operators must also ensure that any repairs or rectifications of the GCU are carried out by authorised workshops to maintain the integrity of the safety measures outlined in the directive.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or specific civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance with this directive within the provided text. However, non-compliance with CASA directives generally can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, operational restrictions, or other regulatory penalties. Ensuring adherence to these directives is crucial to maintaining the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Regulations.