AD/DC4/21 - Control Surface Attachment - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses issues concerning the airworthiness of Douglas DC4 Series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, F2006B08827, was enacted to ensure the ongoing safety and compliance of these aircraft with current aviation standards. The regulations mandate modifications to control surface attachments, as outlined in AD/DC4/21, referencing documents such as Douglas SB (DC4) No. 83, dated 20 November 1947, FAA AD 48-6-5, and ANO 105.1.16.2.5.20, Issue 2. The objective of these regulations is to maintain the structural integrity and operational safety of Douglas DC4 Series aeroplanes, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards set by CASA. This legislation was introduced by the Australian Parliament to fill a gap in maintaining the airworthiness of older aircraft models, aligning them with contemporary safety requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including modifications for the Douglas DC4 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all operators of the Douglas DC4 Series Aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia, imposing obligations to adhere to the specified airworthiness directives. These directives include modifications to the control surface attachment as outlined in Douglas SB (DC4) No. 83 dated 20 November 1947, FAA AD 48-6-5, and ANO 105.1.16.2.5.20, Issue 2. The application of these directives is national, ensuring compliance across all states and territories under the Commonwealth's jurisdiction. The regulations do not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, implying that all relevant operators must comply unless otherwise specified in subordinate instruments. The Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998 may extend or refine the application of these directives through subordinate instruments, further detailing compliance requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically concerning the Douglas DC4 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the modification of control surface attachment as detailed in AD/DC4/21. This directive is designed to address and mitigate potential safety issues associated with the attachment of control surfaces on these aircraft. The AD references several documents, including Douglas SB (DC4) No. 83 dated 20 November 1947, FAA AD 48-6-5, and ANO 105.1.16.2.5.20, Issue 2, which collectively outline the modifications that must be made to ensure compliance with safety standards. Entities governed by this AD, which includes aircraft operators and maintenance providers, are required to implement the specified modifications to the control surface attachments on Douglas DC4 Series Aeroplanes. These modifications are intended to prevent failures that could lead to unsafe flight conditions. The AD specifies detailed procedures and criteria that must be met to ensure the modifications are carried out correctly and effectively. Compliance with these requirements is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Failure to comply with the AD/DC4/21 can result in serious safety implications, potentially leading to severe consequences during flight operations. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with CASA directives can be considered an offence. This can result in civil penalties, including fines, and criminal charges that may lead to imprisonment. The specific penalties for such breaches are determined based on the severity of the non-compliance and the potential risk posed to public safety. Fines can be substantial, and the maximum penalties can extend to imprisonment for individuals found guilty of deliberately ignoring safety directives. In summary, AD/DC4/21 mandates specific modifications to the control surface attachments of Douglas DC4 Series Aeroplanes to enhance safety. Operators and maintenance providers must adhere to the detailed procedures and criteria outlined in the directive. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to significant civil and criminal penalties, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the AD for the continued safe operation of these aircraft.