AD/DH 104/38 - Flap To Flap Jack Connecting Pin

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by Legislative Instrument F2006B08881, pertain to the maintenance and safety standards for aircraft within Australian airspace. This legislation, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to address safety deficiencies and ensure the airworthiness of aircraft by mandating compliance with specific directives. The introduction of Airworthiness Directive AD/DH 104/38, which concerns the flap to flap jack connecting pin on DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes, was necessitated by the discovery of incorrectly manufactured pins in service, which had the potential to cause asymmetric flap conditions in flight. The directive requires adherence to British Aerospace Technical Notice 246, ensuring corrective action is taken within a specified timeframe to mitigate identified risks. The policy objective underpinning this directive is to enhance flight safety by mandating immediate corrective measures for identified manufacturing defects in critical aircraft components. The directive reflects a proactive approach to aviation safety, requiring all DH 104 series aeroplanes to comply with the specified technical notice within seven days of their time in service following 7 December 1988. This legislative measure underscores the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards and ensuring the operational integrity of aircraft within Australian jurisdiction.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the application of airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These regulations apply to all entities operating DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes within the Australian jurisdiction, necessitating compliance with the directive to ensure aviation safety. The directive AD/DH 104/38 addresses the critical issue of the flap to flap jack connecting pin, which has been found to be incorrectly manufactured, potentially leading to in-flight asymmetric flap conditions. The requirement stipulates that action must be taken in accordance with British Aerospace Technical Standard (BAe TNS) 246 Issue 1, with compliance mandated within seven days of the aeroplane being in service after 7 December 1988. This directive extends to all models of the DH 104 series and is instrumental in preventing safety incidents associated with the identified manufacturing defect. The application of this directive is overseen by CASA, which holds the authority to enforce compliance and ensure that all relevant entities adhere to the specified safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, details the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, which includes AD/DH 104/38 concerning the flap to flap jack connecting pin on DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models of the Dove aircraft (AD/DH 104/38). The primary requirement of this directive is to ensure that the connecting pins are manufactured in accordance with British Aerospace (BAe) Technical Notice 246, Issue 1 (AD/DH 104/38). Compliance with this directive must be achieved within seven days of the aircraft being in service after 7 December 1988 (AD/DH 104/38). The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and straightforward. Operators of DH 104 series aeroplanes must ensure that the flap to flap jack connecting pins are correctly manufactured as specified by BAe TNS 246 Issue 1. This includes inspecting the pins to confirm they meet the specified standards, replacing any incorrectly manufactured pins, and ensuring all modifications are documented. The directive mandates that these actions be completed within the stipulated timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all onboard (AD/DH 104/38). Failure to comply with this airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach. The maximum penalties for contravening CASA directives can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining airworthiness standards. Operators found in breach of this directive may face significant civil and criminal liabilities, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the stipulated requirements.