COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes
AD/DC3/24 DME Aerial Installation - Modification NK
Applicability: All models with DME aerials type VJN-3, VJN-3A or VJN-3B mounted forward of station 136 1/2.
Requirement: Relocate the aerial to a position aft of station 136 1/2 or alternatively replace the aerial with a type AT-256A/ARC and associated matching stub.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form the foundation of civil aviation safety regulations in the country. Among these regulations is Part 39, which includes various Airworthiness Directives (ADs) aimed at maintaining and enhancing aircraft safety. One such directive, AD/DC3/24, pertains specifically to the Douglas DC3 Series Aeroplanes, addressing the installation of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) aerials. This directive was introduced to address potential safety concerns associated with the installation of certain DME aerial types on these aircraft models. The objective of AD/DC3/24 is to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft by either relocating the specified DME aerials to a position aft of station 136 1/2 or replacing them with a specified alternative. This legislative instrument aims to mitigate any safety risks associated with the original aerial installation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, govern the airworthiness directives for aircraft operating within Australia. These regulations apply to all Douglas DC3 series aeroplanes equipped with specific DME aerial types, namely VJN-3, VJN-3A, or VJN-3B, which must be relocated or replaced according to the directive AD/DC3/24. This regulation mandates that any affected aircraft must relocate the aerial to a position aft of station 136 1/2 or replace it with a type AT-256A/ARC and the corresponding matching stub. The directive applies nationwide, affecting operators and owners of the specified Douglas DC3 aeroplanes, and is enforceable under the regulatory framework of the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no exclusions or exemptions outlined within the directive itself, although the scope may be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of AD/DC3/24, as part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically target the Douglas DC3 series aeroplanes and mandate a modification to the DME aerial installation. Section (1) specifies the applicability of this directive, which includes all models of the Douglas DC3 series that have a DME aerial of type VJN-3, VJN-3A, or VJN-3B mounted forward of station 136 1/2. Section (2) outlines the requirement, which is to either relocate the aerial to a position aft of station 136 1/2 or replace the aerial with a type AT-256A/ARC and the associated matching stub.
The obligations imposed by this directive on the relevant parties are clear and specific. Operators of Douglas DC3 series aeroplanes must ensure that the DME aerial installation complies with the directive's requirements. This involves either relocating the aerial to the specified position or replacing it with the designated type of aerial and matching stub. The directive aims to enhance the aircraft's operational safety by addressing potential interference or performance issues associated with the current aerial placement.
The legislation also delineates the consequences of non-compliance. Section (3) highlights that any breach of the directive may lead to serious civil or criminal penalties. Although the specific maximum penalties are not stated in the directive, the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide a framework that may include fines and other legal repercussions for non-compliance. The potential penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.
In conclusion, AD/DC3/24 is a critical directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, targeting the modification of DME aerial installations in Douglas DC3 series aeroplanes. The directive requires either a relocation of the aerial or its replacement with a specified type. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, and failure to adhere to its provisions can result in significant legal consequences, emphasising the importance of maintaining the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.