AD/DH114/16 Amdt 1 - Engine Mounting Frames - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B08926, addresses safety concerns for a particular series of aircraft, the DH114 (Heron). This instrument was introduced to address potential safety issues related to the engine mounting frames of DH114 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those fitted with engine mount frames P/N 14EM-11A and 14EM-12A. The primary aim of this legislative instrument is to mandate regular inspections for internal corrosion, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to prevent any potential failure of the engine mounting frames, thereby mitigating risks to aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, governs the airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. Within this framework, AD/DH114/16 Amendment 1 mandates specific inspections for Heron Series Aeroplanes with engine mounting frames identified by part numbers 14EM-11A and 14EM-12A. This directive applies universally to all models of the specified aircraft type that are equipped with the mentioned engine mounting frames, ensuring that they adhere to stringent safety standards. The requirement stipulates a detailed inspection process for detecting internal corrosion in the engine mounting frames through both visual and radiographic methods, adhering to the guidelines outlined in Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. E3 Issue 2. Furthermore, the radiographs and related reports must be submitted to the Secretary for thorough examination to maintain compliance with safety regulations. This directive is to be complied with at intervals not exceeding four years after 31 August 1970, ensuring that the aircraft remain airworthy and meet the necessary safety standards.

Key Provisions

The key provision of this regulation, AD/DH114/16 Amendment 1, primarily concerns the inspection of engine mounting frames for all models fitted with engine mount frames P/N 14EM-11A and 14EM-12A (Section 1). This inspection must be conducted to detect any evidence of internal corrosion using both visual and radiographic methods (Section 1(1)). Furthermore, the inspection must adhere to the specific guidelines outlined in Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. E3 Issue 2 (Section 1(2)). Any radiographs and associated reports generated from these inspections must be submitted to the Secretary for review (Section 1(3)). The obligations imposed by this regulation require operators or owners of aircraft with the specified engine mount frames to perform regular inspections to ensure the integrity of these components. The inspections must be meticulous and follow the detailed procedures specified in the Hawker Siddeley document. Moreover, the submission of radiographs and reports to the Secretary is a mandatory part of the compliance process, ensuring that the authority has access to the necessary data to assess the airworthiness of the aircraft. Breach of these inspection and reporting requirements can lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this regulation, violations of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can generally result in both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and enforcement actions, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The exact penalties would be determined based on the broader legal framework governing civil aviation safety in Australia. Overall, this regulation aims to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft by mandating regular and thorough inspections of critical components. The obligations are clear and must be met to avoid potential legal and safety repercussions.