AD/BN-2/16 - Carburettor Air Box - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia, address the critical need for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within the nation's airspace. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 within the Civil Aviation Regulations, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, sets forth various airworthiness directives to maintain and enhance safety standards. One such directive, AD/BN-2/16, pertains to the modification of the carburettor air box for Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, aiming to rectify known safety issues and ensure continued airworthiness of these aircraft. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority serving as the relevant legislature for civil aviation matters. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate potential safety hazards associated with the specified modification, ensuring that all non-compliant models are brought into conformity within a specified timeframe. The directive mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service after the specified date of 29 May 1970, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing these safety concerns promptly.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, include the Airworthiness Directives for Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of these aeroplanes that do not incorporate Modification Number NB/M/362, as outlined in AD/BN-2/16 concerning the Carburettor Air Box modification. The directive mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service following 29 May 1970, as referenced in Britten-Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.28. This regulation is a Commonwealth enactment, enforcing safety standards across Australia, and applies to all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance personnel within the specified parameters. The directive does not explicitly exclude any entities or conduct from its reach, and it extends its application through references to subordinate documentation such as service bulletins.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of AD/BN-2/16, found in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, concern the modification of the carburettor air box on Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to all models of the BN-2 Series that do not incorporate modification number NB/M/362 (section 39-105). The directive mandates compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 29 May 1970, referencing Britten-Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.28 as the document outlining the necessary modifications (section 39-105(1)). The AD imposes clear obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. Specifically, they are required to ensure that the carburettor air box modifications specified in the referenced service bulletin are completed within the stipulated timeframe. This includes conducting the necessary inspections, modifications, and ensuring that all work is performed by appropriately certified personnel. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing its operation until the modifications are satisfactorily completed (section 39-105(2)). Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/BN-2/16 can lead to significant consequences. Operators and owners found in breach of the directive may face enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This can include fines, penalties, and potentially the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the AD itself but can be found in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, where civil and criminal penalties are outlined for breaches of airworthiness requirements (section 39-105(3)).