AD/BN-2/22 - Emergency Exits Placard

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B04733, address a specific safety concern regarding Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series aeroplanes. The regulation aims to ensure passenger safety by clearly identifying the correct emergency exit in the event of an emergency situation. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced this directive to rectify a gap in safety communication, ensuring that passengers and crew are correctly informed about the emergency exit procedures. This amendment was designed to prevent confusion and potential delays in evacuation by clearly marking the ditching exit pull handle with an appropriately sized placard. The policy objective is to enhance passenger safety by providing clear and unambiguous instructions in emergency situations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses airworthiness directives for aircraft, such as the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, through Airworthiness Directive AD/BN-2/22. This directive applies to all models of the BN-2 series aeroplanes, focusing on the emergency exits placard. The requirement is to remove the existing placard indicating the use of the removable door window as an emergency exit and install a new placard adjacent to the window exit handle, stating "DITCHING EXIT PULL HANDLE." The directive mandates compliance within 200 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972, ensuring the lettering on the new placard matches that of the existing one. This regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and has a broad reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, applying to all relevant aircraft operators and maintenance personnel within its jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, require compliance with the directives issued by CASA. Section AD/BN-2/22 addresses the emergency exits placard, specifically requiring the removal of the existing placard that suggests the removable door window can be used as an emergency exit (Section 1). Instead, a new placard must be installed adjacent to the window exit handle. The new placard must state "DITCHING EXIT PULL HANDLE" and the lettering must match the size of the existing placard (Section 1). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs include the immediate removal of the incorrect placard and the installation of the new placard as specified. The directive applies to all models of the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, and compliance is required within 200 hours of time in service after 29 February 1972 (Section 1). Compliance involves ensuring that all aircraft meet these specifications to maintain safety standards as mandated by CASA. Any breach of these directives may lead to enforcement actions by CASA. The consequences for non-compliance can include civil penalties, which may be enforced through fines or other administrative measures. The specific penalties are outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, but they can vary based on the severity of the breach and the discretion of CASA. It is important for operators and maintainers of the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid any legal repercussions or safety hazards.