AD/BN-2/39 - Aileron Mass Balance Tube - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form part of a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. One particular aspect of this regulation is found in Part 39 - 105, which deals with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislation aims to address safety issues and compliance requirements for specific aircraft models, such as the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. The policy objective underpinning these directives is to mandate specific inspections and maintenance procedures to ensure that aircraft remain airworthy and meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting the lives of passengers and crew, as well as the general public. This particular Airworthiness Directive, identified as AD/BN-2/39, pertains to the inspection of the aileron mass balance tube in all models of the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977, or no later than 1 March 1977, whichever occurs first. The directive references Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.98 to ensure operators are informed of the necessary steps to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft. The overarching aim is to mitigate any potential safety risks associated with the aileron mass balance tube, thereby reinforcing the commitment to aviation safety within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically Part 39 - 105 pertaining to the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, mandates that all models of this aircraft must comply with the inspection requirements outlined in AD/BN-2/39 concerning the aileron mass balance tube. This directive applies to all operators of the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft through regular and mandatory inspections. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977 or by 1 March 1977, whichever comes first. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. There are no exclusions or exemptions mentioned in this particular directive; it applies uniformly to all BN-2 Series Aeroplanes operating within Australia. The authority may extend or restrict the application of this directive through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the safety standards are consistently met across the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, includes the Airworthiness Directives (AD) which are critical for maintaining safety standards in civil aviation. Section AD/BN-2/39 pertains to the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the aileron mass balance tube. This section requires an inspection of the aileron mass balance tube, as detailed in Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.98. The compliance timeline is set such that the inspection must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977 or by 1 March 1977, whichever comes first. This ensures that the aileron mass balance tube is checked for any potential issues that could affect the aircraft’s safety. The obligations imposed by this Act are clear and stringent. Operators and owners of Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection of the aileron mass balance tube is carried out as per the outlined schedule. This involves adhering to the detailed inspection procedure provided in the Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB.98. Failure to comply with these inspection requirements can result in significant safety risks, potentially leading to compromised aircraft performance or failure. Breaching the requirements set forth in AD/BN-2/39 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can be considered an offence. Such offences may lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. The maximum penalties for these breaches are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they can include fines and potential imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring aviation safety standards are maintained. Ensuring compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a critical step in safeguarding the safety of all individuals involved in air travel.