AD/DH 104/9 - Aileron, Rudder and Elevator Hinge Links and Brackets and Tailplane Upper Attachment Fittings - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), include specific airworthiness directives aimed at maintaining safety standards within the aviation industry. One such directive, AD/DH 104/9, pertains to the De Havilland 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of aileron, rudder, and elevator hinge links and brackets, as well as tailplane upper attachment fittings. This directive was enacted to address the identified problem of structural integrity and operational safety for these specific models, ensuring that they meet safety standards outlined in the regulations. The directive applies to all models not modified in accordance with Modifications 841, 842, and 843, and requires compliance at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service after 1 September 1971, thereby reinforcing the overarching policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertain to the maintenance and inspection of de Havilland DH 104 (Dove) series aeroplanes. This directive, AD/DH 104/9, mandates thorough inspections of aileron, rudder, and elevator hinge links, brackets, and tailplane upper attachment fittings. It applies to all models of the DH 104 series aeroplanes that have not been modified according to Modifications 841, 842, and 843. Compliance with this directive is crucial for maintaining airworthiness and ensuring safety in the aviation industry. The inspection must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service after 1 September 1971. Compliance documents include the de Havilland Technical Notice TNS CT(104) No. 123 Issue 4 or the Airworthiness Notice No. 105.1.1.4.13.6.8, ensuring that all inspections adhere to the prescribed standards and specifications. This legislation operates under the national jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby imposing its requirements on all relevant operators and entities within the country.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for De Havilland 104 (Dove) Series aeroplanes. One such directive is AD/DH 104/9, which pertains to the inspection of aileron, rudder and elevator hinge links and brackets and tailplane upper attachment fittings (AD/DH 104/9). This directive applies to all models of Dove Series aeroplanes that have not been modified in accordance with modifications 841, 842 and 843 (Section 1). AD/DH 104/9 requires that the inspection of the specified parts be conducted at intervals not exceeding 200 hours of time in service after 1 September 1971 (Section 2). Compliance with this directive is evidenced by either the De Havilland TNS CT(104) No. 123 Issue 4 document or ANO 105.1.1.4.13.6.8 (Section 3). The inspection is a crucial safety measure to ensure the integrity of these critical components, which are essential for the aircraft's control and stability. Entities and individuals governed by these regulations must ensure that they adhere to the specified intervals for inspections and maintain records demonstrating compliance with the requirements outlined in AD/DH 104/9. This includes keeping up-to-date documentation of inspections and any modifications made to the aircraft that may affect the applicability of this directive. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in civil or criminal consequences, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. Breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to various penalties. For civil infractions, penalties may include fines up to the maximum amount prescribed by the regulations. In cases of serious breaches or where there is evidence of wilful disregard for safety, criminal charges may be pursued, which could result in heavier penalties. The specific maximum penalties for breaches of AD/DH 104/9 are detailed in the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and these may vary based on the nature and impact of the breach. It is imperative that all parties involved in the operation and maintenance of Dove Series aeroplanes are fully aware of these obligations and consequences to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.