COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Casa 212 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CASA/22 Inner Flap Fittings 9/96
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: Action in accordance with CASA SB 212-57-10.
Note: Spanish DGAC AD 03/96 refers.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 15 August 1996, thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until modified.
Background: Cracking has been detected in the inner flap fittings. This Directive is issued to prevent an unsafe condition developing and going undetected.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, serve as the primary legislative instrument governing civil aviation safety, with the overarching objective of ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel within the country. One specific legislative instrument under this framework, F2006B04879, pertains to the CASA 212 Series Aeroplanes and is aimed at addressing a recognised safety issue. The problem this legislation addresses is the detection of cracking in the inner flap fittings of these aircraft, which could potentially lead to an unsafe condition if left unaddressed. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to mandate corrective actions and regular inspections to mitigate this risk, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft models. The policy objective is clearly stated as preventing an unsafe condition from developing and remaining undetected, thereby safeguarding the integrity and safety of the aircraft and its occupants.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all CASA 212 Series Aeroplanes, including those operated by private, commercial, and state entities. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is national, with its application extending throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. This specific airworthiness directive, AD/CASA/22, targets an identified safety concern related to the inner flap fittings of the aircraft, aimed at preventing unsafe conditions from developing and remaining undetected. The requirement stipulates compliance in accordance with CASA Service Bulletin 212-57-10, with an initial compliance deadline of within 100 hours of time in service after 15 August 1996, and subsequent compliance at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the required modifications are made. This directive draws reference to a similar action by the Spanish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), denoted as AD 03/96. The legislation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD). This legislation mandates specific safety measures to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. Under this schedule, AD/CASA/22 pertains to the inner flap fittings of Casa 212 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models of Casa 212 aeroplanes (Section 1). The requirement is for the action to be taken in accordance with CASA Service Bulletin 212-57-10 (Section 2). The directive references Spanish DGAC AD 03/96 for additional context (Section 3). Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 15 August 1996 and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours until the modifications are made (Section 4).
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by this directive. Aircraft operators must ensure that the inner flap fittings are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced in accordance with CASA SB 212-57-10. The inspections must occur within 100 hours of the aeroplane's service time post the directive's effective date and at subsequent intervals not exceeding 100 hours. These obligations are crucial to prevent the development of unsafe conditions that could lead to serious incidents. Furthermore, operators must maintain records of all inspections and actions taken to comply with the directive. This documentation is essential for regulatory oversight and for demonstrating compliance during any audits or inspections by CASA.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the AD/CASA/22 directive can result in significant consequences. Firstly, non-compliance could lead to the aeroplane being deemed unairworthy, which would prevent it from operating until the required actions are taken. Additionally, CASA has the authority to issue penalties for breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations. While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of similar regulations can result in substantial fines. In more severe cases, continued non-compliance could lead to prosecution under civil or criminal law, potentially resulting in further penalties or legal action against the aircraft operator or responsible parties.