AD/BN-2/47 - Wing Tip Tank Selector Switches - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were introduced to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety of civil aviation. A key legislative instrument within this framework is F2006B04758, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives for specific aircraft models, such as the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/BN-2/47, was issued to address safety concerns identified in two accident reports, specifically relating to the wing tip tank selector switches. The directive mandates modifications to these switches, along with system placarding and selection indicator lamps, to be implemented before any further flights after 31 December 1983, as per the aircraft manufacturer's directive, Britten Norman SB No. BN-2/SB 157. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by ensuring that identified safety issues are rectified to prevent future accidents.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes applies to all models of these aircraft that are fitted with wing tip tanks. This directive mandates modifications to the wing tip fuel tank selector switches, system placarding, and selection indicator lamps to enhance safety, following recommendations made in reports of two accidents. Compliance with this directive is required before further flight after 31st December 1983, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards. The AD is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and has a national jurisdictional reach, overseen by the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislative instrument does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application is further defined and potentially extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes (section 39.105). This directive, AD/BN-2/47, pertains to the modification of wing tip tank selector switches, as outlined in the document Britten Norman SB No. BN-2/SB 157 (section 39.105(1)). The directive applies to all models of the BN-2 Series that are equipped with wing tip tanks (section 39.105(2)). Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and the modifications must be completed before any further flight after 31st December 1983 (section 39.105(3)). The AD requires that the wing tip fuel tank selector switches, system placarding, and selection indicator lamps be modified in accordance with the instructions provided by the aircraft manufacturer in the specified service bulletin (section 39.105(4)). This ensures that the aircraft maintains its airworthiness and complies with the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The directive is grounded in the recommendations from two accident reports, which highlighted the need for changes to improve the safety of the aircraft’s fuel system (section 39.105(5)). Compliance with AD/BN-2/47 involves several obligations for the operators of BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. Firstly, they must ensure that the required modifications to the wing tip tank selector switches, placarding, and indicator lamps are carried out before any subsequent flight post-December 31, 1983 (section 39.105(6)). Operators must also maintain accurate records of the modifications and any associated documentation, such as the service bulletin referenced in the directive (section 39.105(7)). Additionally, operators are required to ensure that their maintenance personnel are adequately trained to perform these modifications according to the manufacturer's specifications (section 39.105(8)). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/BN-2/47 can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is an offence (section 39.105(9)). The potential penalties for breaching this directive include substantial fines and, in severe cases, the suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness (section 39.105(10)). These measures are designed to enforce adherence to the safety standards and to protect the public from the risks associated with non-compliance (section 39.105(11)). The exact penalties for such offences are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with maximum penalties set out in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (section 39.105(12)).