AD/DH 104/15 Amdt 2 - Wing Lower Root Joint Fittings P/Nos. 4W 271 and 4W 5013 - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, were established to ensure the safe operation of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument, particularly within Part 39, addresses the need for maintaining airworthiness of specific aircraft types, such as the de Havilland DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes. The problem this regulation seeks to address is the potential safety hazard posed by the presence of chrome plating in certain wing joint fittings, which could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections and necessary rectifications to maintain the safety standards of these aircraft, ensuring that any identified issues are addressed promptly to prevent accidents or failures in service. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued specific Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to enforce compliance. For the de Havilland DH 104 series, AD/DH 104/15 Amendment 2 requires a thorough inspection of wing lower root joint fittings part numbers 4W271 and 4W5013 to detect any chrome plating within the bore of the main attachment bolt hole. If such plating is found, the fitting must be replaced immediately according to the specified repair drawing. This directive aims to mitigate risks associated with compromised fittings, ensuring the ongoing airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, with a particular focus on the De Havilland 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of the Dove series aeroplanes and mandates an inspection of the wing lower root joint fittings, specifically parts numbered 4W 271 and 4W 5013, to ascertain the presence of chrome plating in the bore of the main attachment bolt hole. This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in De Havilland Technical Notice CT(104) No. 178 Issue 1. If chrome plating is detected, the fitting must be replaced immediately, following the specifications provided in Repair Drawing RD 4W131. Additionally, the main attachment bolt should be inspected, refitted, and the joint resealed according to the provisions of TNS CT(104) No. 168 Issue 4. Compliance with these directives must be achieved before 30 March 1973. Notably, if inspections and rejections of chromed fittings were already performed under the previous version of this directive, no further actions are required.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, detail a schedule of airworthiness directives that govern the maintenance and safety of aircraft. Section AD/DH 104/15 Amendment 2 pertains to all models of the DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes. The primary requirement of this directive involves inspecting the wing lower root joint fittings, part numbers 4W 271 and 4W 5013, for the presence of chrome plating in the bore of the main attachment bolt hole. This inspection must be conducted according to the procedures outlined in De Havilland TNS CT(104) No. 178 Issue 1, with a specified exception to the usual process. To comply with these regulations, operators must ensure that the inspection is completed before a certain date, in this case, before 30 March 1973. If the inspection reveals the presence of chrome plating in the main attachment bolt hole, the fitting must be replaced immediately. The replacement must follow the provisions of Repair Drawing RD 4W131, which can be obtained from the Service Department at De Havilland Aircraft Co. Ltd. Regardless of whether chrome plating is found, the main attachment bolt must be examined for serviceability, refitted, and the joint resealed in accordance with the provisions of TNS CT(104) No. 168 Issue 4. Failure to adhere to these provisions could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could have significant legal and safety repercussions. The regulations impose a clear obligation on the operators to ensure that the specified inspections and rectifications are carried out meticulously and in a timely manner. Non-compliance could lead to serious safety risks and potential enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The consequences for non-compliance with these airworthiness directives are severe. The Civil Aviation Regulations include provisions for both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and orders for corrective action, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment and/or substantial fines, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The exact penalties are outlined in other sections of the Civil Aviation Act and the Civil Aviation Regulations, but the overarching aim is to ensure the highest possible safety standards in civil aviation.