AD/DH 60/2 - Seat Restraint Installations - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through Legislative Instrument F2006B08889, address the need for enhanced safety measures in the operation of De Havilland DH 60 (Moth) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislative instrument was introduced to fill a critical gap in airworthiness directives concerning seat restraint installations. The problem it aimed to resolve was the inadequate safety of pilots and passengers during flights, which could potentially lead to severe injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident. The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate the installation of safety harnesses in all models of the De Havilland DH 60 series aeroplanes to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards and enhance overall flight safety. This regulation was enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and required compliance before 1 January 1974, with guidance provided through Airworthiness Advisory Circular No 62 dated March 1972.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to Airworthiness Directives concerning De Havilland DH 60 (Moth) series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates the modification of seat restraint installations by incorporating a safety harness, which must adhere to a scheme approved by the Secretary. The directive applies to all models within the specified series, thereby ensuring a uniform standard of safety across the fleet. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying throughout the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive, and the requirement must be fulfilled before 1 January 1974, or if the modification has already been completed, it is deemed compliant. Compliance is further guided by Airworthiness Advisory Circular No 62 dated March 1972, which outlines the necessary guidelines for the installation schemes.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, address the airworthiness of specific aircraft models, including the De Havilland DH 60 (Moth) Series Aeroplanes. The relevant Airworthiness Directive AD/DH 60/2 (11/72) specifies the requirement for modifying each seat restraint installation by fitting a safety harness (Section 39 - 105). This modification must be in accordance with a scheme approved by the Secretary, with guidelines provided in the Airworthiness Advisory Circular No 62 dated March 1972. These modifications must be completed before 1 January 1974, unless the changes have already been made. The primary aim is to ensure the safety of passengers on these aircraft by mandating the installation of safety harnesses, which significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of turbulence or other in-flight incidents. The directive applies to all models of the De Havilland DH 60 series, underscoring the importance of uniform safety standards across the fleet. Entities governed by these regulations, such as aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers, have specific obligations. They must ensure that the modifications are carried out correctly and in compliance with the approved scheme. This involves obtaining the necessary safety harnesses, following the installation guidelines provided in the Advisory Circular, and verifying that all modifications are completed before the specified deadline. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to serious safety concerns and potential non-compliance with aviation regulations. Breaches of these safety requirements can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines and, in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are completed. The exact penalties are determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and can vary based on the severity and frequency of the breach. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is crucial to maintaining the high safety standards expected in the aviation industry.