COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes
AD/DC3/13 Flap Adjustment NK
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Douglas SB No. 204 supplemented by Douglas Service for May 1947, page 18, leaves much to individual interpretation and consequently there is a possibility of maladjustment which may lead to flap push-pull tube failures. Flaps are to be adjusted in accordance with the procedure prescribed in para. 2 below.
2. Adjust the flaps in accordance with the following:
(a) Fully bottom jack in down position.
(b) Set the inboard rod adjustment to 7/8 inch between the tube end and the trunnion hexagon.
(c) Set the outboard adjustment to 1 1/2 inches between the tube ends.
(d) Place a 45 degree template between the underside of the flap and wing and set each turnbuckle (turnbuckles should be approximately 75 degree to push-pull tubes).
(e) Slowly raise flaps on handpump, checking the relative timing between the inboard and outboard flaps.
(f) Adjust the flaps to the same timing.
(g) With the actuating jack fully bottomed in the up position, adjust each turnbuckle to give a clearance of the flap from the felt pads of .05 inch. This clearance may be obtained by using a piece of 18 gauge metal sheet as a feeler gauge, first shaping the sheet to fit into position.
(h) Tighten each turnbuckle one turn (this raises the trailing edge of the flap .09 inch, giving a pad compression of 04 inch).
(i) Readjust with different setting of push-pull tubes if flap angle at full deflection is not 45 degrees + 2 degrees.
3. It should be noted that the flap operating linkage is such that with the flaps down slight slackness will be apparent at the trailing edge. This is normal and the turnbuckles must not be adjusted to eliminate this slackness.
4. Amend Maintenance Manuals to comply with this directive. OR ANO 105.1.6.1.5.14.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia's jurisdiction. This legislation was introduced to address gaps in the maintenance and operational safety of civil aircraft, particularly by ensuring that aircraft are maintained to a standard that minimises the risk of mechanical failure. The policy objective behind this regulation is to maintain a high standard of civil aviation safety by providing clear directives and procedures for aircraft maintenance, thereby protecting the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public.
The regulation in question, AD/DC3/13 concerning the Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addresses the adjustment of flaps to prevent potential mechanical failures that could arise from maladjustment. This directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies to all models of the Douglas DC3 series. It mandates precise adjustment procedures for the flap operating linkage, including specific measurements and clearances, to ensure that the flaps function correctly and safely. This directive also requires that maintenance manuals be updated to reflect these new adjustment procedures. The overarching aim is to ensure that all aircraft maintain a high level of operational safety by adhering to these detailed maintenance protocols.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all models of the Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation mandates a particular procedure for adjusting the flaps to prevent potential failures of the flap push-pull tubes. The requirement is to follow the detailed adjustment procedure outlined in the regulation, including specific measurements and settings for various components such as the inboard rod, outboard adjustments, and turnbuckles. The regulation also specifies that any slackness at the trailing edge of the flaps when they are down is normal and should not be adjusted. Additionally, it mandates the amendment of Maintenance Manuals to align with these directives. This regulation extends to all operators and maintenance personnel responsible for the upkeep and operation of Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes within the Australian jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
This legislative instrument also provides the flexibility to extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring that it can be adapted to new findings or changing circumstances in the aviation industry. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, as it applies to all Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes operating within Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text provided, meaning that all operators must comply with the outlined adjustments and procedures. The regulation’s application is comprehensive, covering all aspects of flap adjustment to mitigate the risk of tube failures and ensure safe operational standards.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Airworthiness Directives for Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes (AD/DC3/13), are centered around the adjustment of flaps to prevent maladjustment and potential failures of the flap push-pull tubes. According to Section 2, the directive requires that the flaps be adjusted in a very specific manner to avoid the issues mentioned. This involves setting the inboard rod adjustment to 7/8 inch and the outboard adjustment to 1 1/2 inches between the tube ends, ensuring that turnbuckles are set at approximately 75 degrees to the push-pull tubes, and adjusting the turnbuckles to provide a clearance of 0.05 inch from the felt pads.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties governed by it are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of the aircraft. Section 2 mandates that the flaps must be adjusted according to the detailed procedure specified, and Section 4 further requires that Maintenance Manuals be amended to comply with this directive. This means that aircraft maintenance personnel must follow the prescribed flap adjustment procedure meticulously to meet the safety standards set forth in the legislation.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/DC3/13 can lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in substantial fines and other penalties. The seriousness of the directive, especially concerning the safety of the aircraft, suggests that non-compliance could also have severe civil or criminal ramifications. These could include penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may include fines of up to $330,000 for individuals and $1.65 million for corporations, depending on the severity of the breach. Additionally, any resulting accidents or incidents due to non-compliance could lead to further legal and safety repercussions.