COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CA-6/3 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
C.A.C. CA-6 (Wackett Trainer) Series Aeroplanes
AD/CA-6/3
Amdt 1
Main Plane Inspection 8/2001
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Remove the fuel tanks and closely inspect front and rear spars for boom failures, web cracks or separation of the webs from booms. Also inspect the heavy ribs in this area for signs of structural damage or damage to the rib-to-spar joints.
2. Cut inspection holes in the No. 25 lower wing skin between ribs 8 and 9 port and starboard, and inspect the rear spar web in the vicinity of the undercarriage fittings for evidence of structural distress.
3. When inspecting booms, remove all varnish and thoroughly clean the woodwork or, alternatively, use the ink inspection technique or a 10X hand glass.
4. Repair damaged ribs or spars using a repair scheme approved under CAR 35.
Compliance: Before further flight following each heavy landing.
This amendment becomes effective on 9 August 2001.
Background: This AD series is reinstated as the aircraft type has returned to the Aircraft Register.
Amendment 1 is issued to update Requirement paragraph 4 to reflect current regulations.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 15 August 1984.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 22 June 2001
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 July 2001.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness Directives) Notice 2001 (F2006B04843), introduced Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/CA-6/3 for the C.A.C. CA-6 (Wackett Trainer) Series Aeroplanes to address structural integrity concerns following heavy landings. The AD was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority granted by subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The directive mandates specific inspection and repair actions to be undertaken to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft, reflecting a policy objective to enhance aviation safety by identifying and rectifying potential structural issues. The AD was reinstated as the aircraft type re-entered the Aircraft Register, ensuring continued compliance with safety standards. This amendment became effective on 9 August 2001, with the initial AD having been effective since 15 August 1984.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, govern the safety standards and requirements for aircraft and aeronautical products within Australia. This legislation applies to all aircraft and aeronautical products that are subject to the regulation, which includes any person or entity operating or manufacturing such products within Australia. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, as it applies throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. Airworthiness Directives (ADs), such as AD/CA-6/3, are issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address specific safety concerns that may arise in the operation or maintenance of aircraft. These directives can extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments, ensuring that safety measures are continually updated and enforced. The AD/CA-6/3, which mandates specific inspection and repair actions for Wackett Trainer Series Aeroplanes, exemplifies how CASA delegates their authority to issue such directives to ensure compliance with safety standards. This directive applies to all models of the specified aircraft and requires specific actions to be taken before further flight following each heavy landing.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically Airworthiness Directive AD/CA-6/3 Amendment 1, detail a series of mandatory inspections and corrective actions for the C.A.C. CA-6 (Wackett Trainer) Series Aeroplanes. Section 1 outlines the applicability of the directive to all models of the aircraft. Section 2 sets out the requirement to remove fuel tanks and inspect various components of the aircraft for signs of structural damage, including front and rear spars, heavy ribs, and rib-to-spar joints. Additionally, it mandates cutting inspection holes in the No. 25 lower wing skin and inspecting the rear spar web near undercarriage fittings. Section 3 emphasises the need for thorough inspection methods, including cleaning woodwork or using inspection techniques such as the ink inspection method or magnifying glass. Finally, Section 4 specifies that any damaged ribs or spars must be repaired using a method approved under CAR 35.
The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive require aircraft operators to perform the specified inspections before each subsequent flight following a heavy landing. The directive mandates detailed visual and structural checks to ensure the integrity of critical components. Operators must follow the outlined procedures meticulously, including removing fuel tanks, cutting inspection holes, and cleaning or inspecting woodwork. Additionally, any repairs to damaged components must adhere to the approved repair schemes under CAR 35. Compliance with these requirements ensures that the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for operation.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulate that non-compliance can lead to penalties, both civil and criminal, depending on the severity of the breach. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to substantial fines, grounding of the aircraft, or even criminal charges for operators or responsible individuals. The severity of penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the mandated inspection and repair procedures to ensure the safety of all flights.