AD/CHA/19 - Flap Stage Advisory Plate

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, serve as a comprehensive set of rules governing all aspects of civil aviation within the country. A particular focus of these regulations is ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, which is crucial for the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public. One specific legislative instrument within this framework is F2006B08545, which was introduced to address the safety concerns associated with the operation of American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument targets a particular safety issue related to the flap stage advisory plate on model 8GCBC aircraft equipped with flaps, aiming to ensure proper functionality and safety during flight operations. The enactment of this regulation by the Australian Government through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high safety standards within the national civil aviation system. The policy objective is clearly stated as enhancing the operational safety and reliability of the affected aircraft by providing precise guidelines for the relocation of the flap stage advisory plate.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, mandates the relocation of the flap stage advisory plate on American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) series aeroplanes, model 8GCBC, equipped with flaps. This directive applies to all aircraft within the specified model and configuration, ensuring operational safety by maintaining the ability to fully extend flaps and retain adequate hand grip length. The regulation requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance on 31 May 1978. The directive is applicable nationally across Australia, encompassing both private and commercial aviation operations, with no stated exclusions or exemptions. The scope and application of this safety directive are further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary to ensure ongoing compliance and safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 105, includes specific directives concerning the airworthiness of certain aeroplane models, including the American Champion (Aeronca, Bellanca) Series. One such directive is AD/CHA/19, which pertains to the flap stage advisory plate for model 8GCBC aeroplanes equipped with flaps (Section 105). The directive requires the relocation of the flap stage advisory plate to approximately the mid-position along the flap handle (Section 105). This adjustment ensures two main operational criteria are met: first, that the flaps can be fully extended when the fuel selector lever is in the OFF position; and second, that there is sufficient hand grip length for the satisfactory operation of the flap handle (Section 105). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of model 8GCBC aeroplanes equipped with flaps must ensure that the flap stage advisory plate is relocated as specified within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1978 (Section 105). This timeline ensures that the modification is carried out promptly and does not unduly delay the operational readiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with this requirement within the stipulated timeframe could result in the aeroplane not meeting the necessary airworthiness standards, potentially leading to safety concerns and regulatory non-compliance. Under these regulations, failure to comply with the requirements of AD/CHA/19 could result in various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the section provided, generally, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and enforcement actions taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In more severe cases, criminal penalties may apply, with potential imprisonment for those found guilty of recklessly causing a breach of the regulations. The exact penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the degree of negligence or recklessness involved.