AD/DH 89/3 - Interplane Strut - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through Legislative Instrument F2006B08915, were enacted to enhance the safety standards and regulatory framework within Australia's civil aviation sector. This legislative instrument, introduced by the Australian Commonwealth Parliament, specifically targets the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft, aiming to fill gaps in safety oversight and ensure compliance with international standards. The policy objective of this regulation is to mandate rigorous inspection protocols for critical aircraft components, thereby reducing the risk of in-flight failures and ensuring the highest levels of safety for passengers and crew. Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as supplemented by the legislative instrument, addresses the inspection requirements for the interplane struts on DH 89 (Dragon Rapide) series aeroplanes. This directive is applicable to all DH89A and Dominie models, as outlined in DH Tech. Circular No. 54 and ANO 105.1.14.10.6.2, and mandates immediate compliance to maintain airworthiness. The overarching goal of these regulations is to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations by ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent inspection and maintenance criteria.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all model DH89A and Dominie aeroplanes. This legislation mandates compliance with the specified airworthiness directives, ensuring that the structural integrity and safety of these aircraft types are maintained through rigorous inspection and maintenance procedures. The geographic reach of this regulation is national, applying across all states and territories within Australia. The directive extends its applicability to all operators of the DH89A and Dominie aircraft, regardless of their location or the nature of their operations, ensuring a uniform standard of airworthiness throughout the country. The legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, indicating that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the outlined directives. Additionally, the regulation can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments, ensuring its applicability remains relevant and effective in line with evolving safety standards and technological advancements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for DH 89 (Dragon Rapide) Series Aeroplanes, mandates an inspection of the interplane strut as outlined in AD/DH 89/3 (paragraph 1(1)). This applies to all model DH89A and Dominie aeroplanes, as referenced in DH Tech. Circular No. 54 and ANO 105.1.14.10.6.2. The directive requires compliance immediately, indicating that the inspection must be conducted forthwith. In terms of obligations, the regulations require operators of the specified DH 89 Series Aeroplanes to ensure that the interplane strut inspection is performed as per the guidelines provided in the referenced documents (paragraph 1(2)). This entails a thorough and timely examination to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators must document the inspection process and results, ensuring all findings are addressed appropriately to meet safety standards. Breach of these regulations can lead to severe consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an airworthiness directive may result in enforcement actions by CASA. The penalties for such breaches can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential legal action against the operator. The specific penalties can vary based on the severity of the breach and may be subject to review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.