AD/DH114/27 Amdt 1 - Flap Datum Hinge Assembly - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) are a cornerstone of Australian aviation law, established to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. Specifically, Part 39 – 105 of these regulations pertains to airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules that apply to aircraft to ensure they meet continuing airworthiness standards. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, these regulations address the critical need to maintain safety standards in civil aviation, particularly in response to identified risks and gaps in aircraft maintenance and operation. The overarching policy objective is to safeguard the public and all persons involved in civil aviation by enforcing rigorous safety standards and ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy throughout their operational lives. One example of such a directive is AD/DH114/27 Amendment 1, which pertains to the Heron series aeroplanes. This directive mandates specific inspections of the flap datum hinge assembly for all models of the DH114 (Heron) aeroplanes, as outlined in the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. CF.14, Issue 1 document. The compliance schedule requires inspections within 25 hours of time in service following 17 July 1970 for certain paragraphs, and in accordance with the specified requirement document for others. This directive is part of the broader effort to address potential safety issues and ensure that Heron series aeroplanes continue to meet the necessary safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate adherence to the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/DH114/27 Amendment 1. This directive applies to all models of the DH114 (Heron) series aeroplanes, requiring inspections to the flap datum hinge assembly. The regulation is designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aircraft, mandating specific compliance timelines and procedural requirements as outlined in the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. CF.14, Issue 1 document. The directive encompasses the entire DH114 fleet operating within Australian jurisdiction, necessitating adherence from all relevant operators and entities responsible for maintaining these aircraft. The regulatory scope is enforced by CASA, which has the authority to issue and enforce compliance with such directives, thereby ensuring adherence to national safety standards.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 (F2006B08937) pertaining to the Heron Series Aeroplanes (DH114) are found in the Airworthiness Directive AD/DH114/27 Amendment 1. This directive specifically mandates an inspection of the flap datum hinge assembly. The requirements set out in this directive apply to all models of the Heron series aeroplanes. Compliance must be achieved in accordance with the specified document, Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. CF.14, Issue 1. The obligations and requirements imposed by this directive are clear and must be adhered to by all parties involved. For paragraph 4.1, compliance must be achieved within 25 hours of the aeroplane being in service after 17 July 1970. For paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3, compliance must be achieved in accordance with the requirement document, Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. CF.14, Issue 1. This means that the flap datum hinge assembly must be inspected and maintained as per the guidelines and specifications outlined in the requirement document, ensuring that the aeroplane remains airworthy and safe for operation. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, and the specific requirements of AD/DH114/27 Amendment 1, can result in serious consequences. While the regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potential criminal charges. The severity of these consequences can vary, but they underscore the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the Heron Series Aeroplanes.