Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address identified safety issues with British Aerospace BAe 146 Series aeroplanes. The AD, identified as AD/BAe 146/67, was enacted to tackle the problem of corrosion on the inner faces of the horizontal stabiliser to vertical stabiliser attachment fitting and the adjoining vertical stabiliser lugs. This directive applies to all series BAe 146 aircraft and specific Avro 146-RJ models up to certain production numbers. The AD mandates inspections in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-15, referencing related documents such as UK CAA AD 001-04-97 and the Maintenance Review Board Report, to ensure compliance and safety. The directive became effective on 17 July 1997, aiming to mitigate potential risks associated with the identified structural issues. The objective of this legislative instrument is to ensure the airworthiness of BAe 146 aircraft by mandating regular inspections and maintenance to address corrosion, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of these aircraft. By incorporating this directive into the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, CASA aims to uphold stringent safety standards and prevent any potential hazards that could compromise the integrity of the aircraft in operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, govern the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia, including the British Aerospace BAe 146 Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. Specifically, AD/BAe 146/67 mandates inspections of the horizontal stabiliser to vertical stabiliser attachment brackets for all BAe 146 aircraft, including those designated as Avro 146-RJ70 up to E1267, Avro 146-RJ85 up to E2300, and Avro 146-RJ100 up to E3301. This directive applies to all affected aircraft irrespective of their location within Australia, ensuring a national standard for aircraft safety. Compliance with this directive is required in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-15, referencing UK CAA AD 001-04-97 and the Maintenance Review Board Report, and must be adhered to at the specified thresholds outlined in the requirement document. The directive became effective from 17 July 1997, following reports of corrosion on the inner faces of the horizontal stabiliser to vertical stabiliser attachment fitting and on the adjoining vertical stabiliser lugs.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, including AD/BAe 146/67 which pertains to British Aerospace BAe 146 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates inspections of the horizontal stabiliser to vertical stabiliser attachment brackets for all BAe 146 aircraft and certain Avro series aircraft (sections 1 and 2). The inspections must be carried out in accordance with British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-15, as referenced in the directive (section 3). It is important to note that compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority AD 001-04-97 and the Maintenance Review Board Report is also referenced, indicating a cross-referenced regulatory approach (section 3, Notes 1 and 2). The directive became effective on 17 July 1997, following reports of corrosion on the inner faces of the horizontal stabiliser to vertical stabiliser attachment fitting and on the adjoining vertical stabiliser lugs (section 4). The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this directive include ensuring that the specified inspections are conducted at the defined thresholds detailed in the requirement document. This involves adherence to the procedures outlined in the British Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin 55-15, ensuring that any detected corrosion or damage to the horizontal stabiliser to vertical stabiliser attachment brackets is identified and addressed according to the specified standards. Operators of BAe 146 series aircraft and the specified Avro series aircraft must maintain records of these inspections and any subsequent maintenance actions taken. Furthermore, any findings must be reported to CASA, as required by the regulations. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/BAe 146/67 may result in enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The potential consequences for non-compliance include civil penalties, which may be substantial, and in severe cases, criminal penalties. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can include fines up to $210,000 for corporations and $42,000 for individuals, as well as potential imprisonment. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not meet the airworthiness standards set forth in these regulations could lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections and repairs are completed. This ensures the safety and compliance of the aircraft with Australian aviation standards.