AD/DH 104/24 - Flap Datum Hinge Safety Washer - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate and ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. This legislative instrument, known as AD/DH 104/24, was introduced to address specific safety concerns associated with the Hawker Siddeley DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes. The problem it aims to resolve involves the flap datum hinge, where the safety washer is required to be inspected to prevent potential issues that could compromise the aircraft's airworthiness. This regulation was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which is tasked with ensuring compliance and maintaining high safety standards within the aviation industry. The overarching policy objective is to safeguard the public and enhance the reliability of air travel by enforcing stringent safety directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/DH 104/24 pertaining to the Hawker Siddeley Dove series aeroplanes, such as the DH 104. This directive mandates an inspection of the flap datum hinge safety washer for all models within the specified series. The regulation applies universally to any operator or owner of DH 104 series aeroplanes, encompassing both individuals and entities involved in the operation and maintenance of these aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive's geographic and jurisdictional reach is strictly limited to the national airspace and aviation sector governed by CASA, ensuring compliance throughout the Australian territory. While the directive does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, compliance is mandatory for all affected aircraft, with adherence expected immediately upon the directive's issuance. The application of this directive can be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, maintaining its relevance and enforcing its stipulations within the Australian civil aviation framework.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), particularly Part 39, contains several key provisions relating to the airworthiness of aircraft, including those in the Hawker Siddeley Dove series (sections 39.01 to 39.07). The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/DH 104/24 pertains to the Dove series aeroplanes, focusing on the flap datum hinge safety washer (section 39.105). This directive mandates a thorough inspection of the flap datum hinge safety washers on all models of the Dove series aeroplanes (section 39.105(1)). The requirement is that these inspections must be carried out immediately, as indicated by the term "forthwith" (section 39.105(2)). In terms of obligations, the Act imposes a responsibility on the owners and operators of Dove series aeroplanes to ensure compliance with the AD/DH 104/24 directive. This includes conducting the specified inspection of the flap datum hinge safety washers without any undue delay (section 39.105(3)). The directive references Hawker Siddeley TNS CT(104) No. 218 as the document outlining the procedures for these inspections, thereby establishing a clear framework for compliance (section 39.105(4)). Failure to adhere to these requirements can have significant repercussions, as the Act outlines specific consequences for non-compliance. Breaching the obligations set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in both civil and criminal consequences. The Act provides for potential penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals or entities found to be in breach of the airworthiness directives (section 39.07). For instance, under section 39.105(5), non-compliance with the inspection requirements may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The specific penalties are not detailed in the provided excerpt, but generally, civil penalties can include substantial fines, while criminal penalties can involve imprisonment, depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach. The enforcement of these penalties serves to underscore the critical importance of maintaining aircraft airworthiness and ensuring the safety of all aviation operations.