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 146/54 Elevator Drain Holes 10/95 DM
Applicability: All series BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ aircraft, except aircraft which have either mod.
HCM01490A or C previously embodied.
Requirement: Action in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-13- 01490B.
Compliance: Before 15 September 1995.
Background: Reports were received by the manufacturer of water accumulation in the elevators following steep climbs. Undrained accumulated water may upset the elevator balance.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which concerns Airworthiness Directives, was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation within the nation. This legislative instrument addresses the identified problem of water accumulation in the elevators of British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes, which can occur after steep climbs. Such accumulation poses a significant risk to aircraft stability and control. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, acting under the authority delegated by the Parliament, issued this directive to mandate compliance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-13-01490B to mitigate these risks. The policy objective is to ensure that all BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ aircraft, except those already modified under specific previous directives, adhere to the prescribed maintenance action to prevent any potential safety hazards. Compliance with this directive was required before 15 September 1995, reflecting the urgency and importance of addressing the identified issue.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the maintenance and operation of British Aerospace BAe 146 series aeroplanes, applying to all BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ aircraft, except those that have already incorporated modifications HCM01490A or C. This regulation is established under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aims to ensure airworthiness by addressing potential issues with water accumulation in the elevators. The regulation mandates that any action taken must be in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-13-01490B, with compliance required before 15 September 1995. This directive is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft, as reports have indicated that undrained water accumulation could adversely affect elevator balance, particularly during steep climbs. This regulation underscores CASA's commitment to ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thus protecting passengers and crew.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates the issue of Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Section 39.105 of the AD/BAe 146/54 pertains to the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes and addresses the critical issue of elevator drain holes. The directive (10/95 DM) applies to all series BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ aircraft, excluding those that have already incorporated modifications HCM01490A or C (Section 10/95 DM Applicability). The requirement outlined in this directive is for the aircraft to be serviced in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-13-01490B (Section Requirement). This action must be taken before 15 September 1995 (Section Compliance).
Entities and individuals governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations must adhere to the AD/BAe 146/54 directive. This involves ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented on eligible aircraft to prevent water accumulation in the elevators. The directive requires operators of BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ aircraft to review their maintenance records and verify that any required modifications have been performed as per the British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-13-01490B. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which may prevent it from being operated until the necessary modifications are completed.
Breach of the AD/BAe 146/54 directive can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance with ADs, and non-compliance may result in penalties. For example, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, an individual or corporation found to be in breach of an AD may be subject to financial penalties, with maximum fines outlined in the Act. Furthermore, in severe cases, CASA may suspend or revoke an aircraft operator's certificate, leading to the cessation of operations for non-compliant aircraft. Such stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the safety directives issued by CASA to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.