AD/DH 84/1 - Fuel System Control - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, introduces a series of airworthiness directives aimed at enhancing the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, AD/DH 84/1 pertains to the DH 84 (Dragon) series aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the fuel system control to mitigate potential hazards. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia to address the identified risks associated with the fuel system control in these aircraft models, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. The overarching policy objective is to safeguard the operational integrity and safety of civil aviation by enforcing modifications that prevent fuel system failures and enable rapid shutdowns in emergencies. The directive requires immediate compliance, emphasising the urgency and importance of these safety enhancements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Airworthiness Directives for aircraft, including the DH 84 (Dragon) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all models of the DH 84 series and mandates modifications to the fuel system control to ensure safety. The requirement entails the incorporation of a positive method to retain and clamp the fuel control cable housing at both ends and at the bend where it enters the wing, as well as implementing a means to lock the pilot’s control lever in the “ON” position, allowing for a rapid movement to the “OFF” position in an emergency. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be achieved forthwith. The regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all relevant aircraft operators and entities within its jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39, Section 105, address the safety directives pertinent to the airworthiness of the DH 84 (Dragon) Series Aeroplanes. The main focus of this legislation is outlined in AD/DH 84/1, which pertains to modifications required to the fuel system control. According to the directive, all models of the DH 84 (Dragon) Series aeroplanes must incorporate a positive method of retaining and clamping the fuel control cable housing at both ends and at the bend where it enters the wing (Section 1). Additionally, the directive requires the incorporation of a means of locking the pilot’s control lever in the “ON” position, enabling the lever to be moved rapidly to the “OFF” position in an emergency (Section 2). These modifications are not just suggestions but mandatory requirements intended to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft's fuel system. The directive mandates compliance immediately, as indicated in the compliance section (Section 105.1.14.0.1.1). It is imperative that all affected parties—such as aircraft manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers—adhere to these specifications to maintain airworthiness standards and ensure the safety of all persons on board. Breaching these regulations can result in severe consequences. The Act imposes strict obligations on the parties governed by it to ensure compliance with the airworthiness directives. Failure to adhere to the specified modifications can lead to civil penalties, including fines, and criminal charges. The potential penalties for non-compliance may include imprisonment, reflecting the serious nature of the safety standards set forth in these regulations. The specific penalties and the extent of enforcement actions are detailed within the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related legislation, ensuring that the high safety standards are upheld in the aviation industry.