AD/BN-2/30 - Six Degree Droop Flap Micro-Switch Setting - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. A specific legislative instrument, F2006B04742, was introduced as part of this broader regulatory framework to address identified safety concerns with particular aircraft models. This particular legislative instrument, AD/BN-2/30, targets the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the setting and inspection of the six-degree droop flap micro-switch, as outlined in Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.66. The policy objective is to mandate a compliance check within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1974 for all applicable models, ensuring that the micro-switch settings are correctly inspected to maintain airworthiness and prevent potential safety hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates that all operators of BN-2 Series aeroplanes with drooped flaps, as identified by modification NB/M/430, must comply with the requirements of Airworthiness Directive AD/BN-2/30 concerning the six-degree droop flap micro-switch setting inspection. The directive applies to all relevant aircraft models and is effective within the next 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1974, as outlined in Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.66. This regulation ensures that the specified inspection is carried out to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia. The scope of this regulation does not extend beyond the specified models and conditions, and any exceptions or exclusions are not mentioned in the provided text.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically the Airworthiness Directive AD/BN-2/30, pertain to the setting inspection of the six-degree droop flap micro-switch in Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. Section 105.201 details the applicability of the directive, which applies to all models with drooped flaps as per Modification NB/M/430. Section 105.203 outlines the required inspection and compliance schedule, mandating that the inspection be completed within 100 hours time in service after 28 February 1974. The obligations imposed by this directive on the operators of the affected aircraft are significant. Firstly, operators must ensure that the specified inspection of the six-degree droop flap micro-switch is performed as per the directive's requirements. This involves a detailed examination to confirm that the micro-switch settings are correctly configured and functioning as intended. The directive references Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.66, which should be used as a guide for conducting the inspection. Operators must also maintain records of the inspection and any subsequent actions taken to ensure compliance. Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in AD/BN-2/30 can lead to serious consequences. Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations may impose civil penalties for non-compliance. The maximum penalty for failing to comply with an airworthiness directive can be significant, as outlined in section 91.111 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may include fines of up to $105,000 for corporations and $21,000 for individuals. Additionally, non-compliance could lead to operational restrictions on the aircraft, potentially grounding the aeroplane until the required inspections are completed and the issues are rectified. Such actions not only pose financial risks but also threaten the safety and reliability of the aircraft in service.