AD/CERES/2 Amdt 1 - Propeller Counterweights - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B04891, address issues pertaining to the airworthiness of specific models of aircraft, particularly the Ceres Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure compliance with international standards and to maintain the safety and reliability of aircraft within Australian airspace. The primary objective of this regulation is to mandate modifications to the propeller counterweights on Ceres Series Aeroplanes, specifically those fitted with high solidity propeller P/N 284402, to mitigate risks associated with propeller imbalance. This amendment aims to enhance the safety and operational standards of the aircraft, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The regulation underscores the importance of adhering to prescribed modifications before propeller installation, reinforcing CASA's commitment to aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure that aircraft maintain a safe airworthy status. The directive in question, AD/CERES/2 Amendment 1, focuses on propeller counterweights for the C.A.C. CA-28 (Ceres) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models of the Ceres series equipped with a high solidity propeller bearing part number 284402. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be performed prior to the installation of the propeller, with modifications in accordance with AD/CA-28/2 considered sufficient to meet the directive's requirements. The amendment took effect on 9 September 1999, and the original directive was first issued in Issue AL 8/62. The directive applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by CASA, with potential for further extension or restriction through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically the Airworthiness Directive AD/CERES/2 Amendment 1, pertain to the modification of propeller counterweights on Ceres Series Aeroplanes. Section 39-105(1) of the Regulations mandates that all models fitted with high solidity propeller P/N 284402 must comply with the specified modifications. This directive, as per section 39-105(2), necessitates that these modifications be carried out before the installation of the propeller. Furthermore, section 39-105(3) confirms that modifications performed in accordance with AD/CA-28/2 meet the requirements of this directive. This amendment, as per section 39-105(4), became effective on 9 September 1999. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are primarily focused on ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that the specified modifications are made to the propeller counterweights before installation. They must adhere to the procedures outlined in Ceres Service Bulletin No. 33 to maintain compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s standards. The directive also requires that any modifications be carried out by authorised personnel who are familiar with the specific requirements and have the necessary qualifications. The consequences for non-compliance with these provisions can be significant. Under section 39-105(5) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, failure to comply with an Airworthiness Directive can result in severe penalties. Specifically, an individual or organisation found in breach of these regulations may face substantial fines, with maximum penalties as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). Additionally, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to take enforcement actions, which can include the suspension or revocation of an aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, thereby grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved. Such actions underscore the critical importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the continued safety of the aircraft and its occupants.