AD/BN-2/9 Amdt 4 - Empennage - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Amendment (Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes) Notice 2006 (F2006B04797), was introduced to address specific safety concerns associated with the empennage of the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft models by requiring specific modifications and inspections. The modifications and inspections pertain to the elevator trim tab installation and include additional torque inspections to mitigate risks associated with the aeroplane's empennage. The regulations mandate that modifications to the elevator trim tab installation be made in accordance with Britten Norman Modification Leaflet No. BN-2/NB/M/507, with the requirement to be completed before a specified date. Furthermore, inspections and additional torque inspections are required at intervals not exceeding specified time limits after certain dates to ensure ongoing compliance with airworthiness standards. These measures are integral to the broader regulatory framework that aims to maintain high safety standards within Australia's civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/BN-2/9 Amendment 4, apply to all models of the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the safety of civil aviation within Australia. The directive mandates specific modifications and inspections for the empennage, including the elevator trim tab installation, which must adhere to Britten Norman Modification Leaflet No. BN-2/NB/M/507. Additionally, pilots in command are authorised to perform certain inspections, as detailed in Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB49, with further torque inspections required as per Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB49A. These requirements are stringently timed, with the modification needing completion before 30 September 1971, inspections at intervals not exceeding 50 hours after 28 November 1975, and additional torque inspections within 5 hours after 9 May 1974. This regulation is enforceable across Australia, ensuring uniform safety standards are met by all operators of the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in PART 39 - 105, focus on maintaining the airworthiness of Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2 Series Aeroplanes through the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/BN-2/9 Amendment 4, applies to all models of the BN-2 Series and mandates certain modifications and inspections of the empennage (CAR 1998, 39-105). The directive requires the elevator trim tab installation to be modified in line with Britten Norman Modification Leaflet No. BN-2/NB/M/507 (CAR 1998, 39-105). Furthermore, it necessitates inspections as outlined in Britten Norman Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB49 and additional torque inspections as specified in Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB49A. It is noteworthy that the pilot in command may perform and certify the inspection stipulated in Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB49. The obligations under this directive are clear and must be adhered to by all parties involved in the operation of the BN-2 Series Aeroplanes. For the modification of the elevator trim tab installation, the compliance date is before 30 September 1971 (CAR 1998, 39-105). The inspections detailed in Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB49 must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service after 28 November 1975 (CAR 1998, 39-105). Additionally, the additional torque inspections outlined in Service Bulletin No. BN-2/SB49A must be performed within 5 hours of time in service after 9 May 1974 (CAR 1998, 39-105). Failure to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance with this directive; however, general provisions within the Act could apply, which may include fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. The exact penalties would be determined based on the specific circumstances of the non-compliance and the discretion of the relevant authority. It is imperative for operators of the BN-2 Series Aeroplanes to ensure that they adhere to these directives to maintain airworthiness and avoid any potential legal ramifications.