AD/DH 104/18 Amdt 1 - Trim Tab Connecting Rod Eye End

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form the cornerstone of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety within the country. These regulations were introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations, addressing various aspects such as licensing, aircraft maintenance, and operational standards. The specific legislative instrument, F2006B08862, pertains to the issuance of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aiming to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness and safety for all aircraft operating in Australia. This directive focuses on the DH 104 (Dove) Series Aeroplanes, addressing a particular issue identified with the trim tab connecting rod eye ends to prevent potential structural failures. The policy objective is to ensure the continuous airworthiness and safety of the aircraft by mandating regular inspections and maintenance procedures. The legislative instrument in question, AD/DH 104/18 Amendment 1, mandates the removal and inspection of rudder and elevator trim tab connecting rod assemblies for the DH 104 series aircraft. This directive responds to a discovered issue of cracked eye ends on a Heron aircraft, which is also present in Dove aircraft. The amendment extends the compliance interval to align with international standards, ensuring that the aircraft remain safe and compliant with the rigorous safety requirements set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. By setting forth these requirements, the legislation aims to mitigate risks associated with potential structural failures, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the maintenance and safety standards of aircraft, including the DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes, within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislative instrument is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is designed to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft through the issuance of specific directives. The scope of the regulation includes all relevant persons and entities involved in the maintenance, inspection, and operation of the DH 104 series aeroplanes. The directive mandates the removal of the rudder and elevators, along with the rudder and elevator trim tab connecting rod assemblies, for the purpose of inspecting the eye ends P/N CM-2A and CM-2B for any signs of cracking. This requirement must be adhered to at each 4 inspection, ensuring ongoing compliance with safety standards. The directive was updated to align with Country of Origin AD, extending compliance intervals and enhancing safety measures based on identified risks. Exclusions or exemptions from this directive are not explicitly stated in the provided legislative instrument. However, the directive's applicability is specifically tailored to the DH 104 series aeroplanes, and it does not extend to other models or types of aircraft unless explicitly covered by other regulations or amendments. The directive is enforceable nationally, aligning with Australia's broader regulatory framework for aviation safety managed by CASA. Subordinate instruments may further detail or expand upon the application of these regulations, providing additional guidance or specifications for compliance.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Subpart 105, require adherence to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft models, such as the DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes. In this instance, AD/DH 104/18 Amendment 1 pertains to the trim tab connecting rod eye end (section 11/91). The regulation applies to all models within the DH 104 series and mandates that specific components be removed and inspected for any signs of cracking. Specifically, the rudder and elevators, along with the rudder and elevator trim tab connecting rod assemblies, must be inspected to ensure the eye ends P/N CM-2A and CM-2B are free from cracks. This requirement is supported by Hawker Siddeley Technical News sheet CT (104) No. 187 issue 1, which provides additional guidance and context for compliance. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and precise. Operators of DH 104 series aeroplanes must ensure that at each scheduled inspection, the rudder and elevators, along with the associated trim tab connecting rod assemblies, are removed for inspection. The inspection must specifically check the eye ends P/N CM-2A and CM-2B for any indications of cracking. This requirement is to be conducted in accordance with the compliance schedule, which stipulates that the inspection must occur at each check 4 inspection. The previous compliance interval was at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of time in service, but this has been adjusted to align with the Country of Origin Airworthiness Directive (AD). Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/DH 104/18 Amendment 1 may result in significant legal and operational consequences. The regulations do not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties within the text provided; however, non-compliance with CASA directives can generally lead to enforcement actions, including fines, penalties, or even the grounding of the aircraft in question. The severity of these consequences can depend on the extent and impact of the non-compliance, with potential penalties varying based on the nature and duration of the breach. It is important for operators to adhere strictly to the outlined requirements to avoid such repercussions.