AD/DH114/28 - Flap Datum Hinge Safety Washer - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, serve to regulate civil aviation safety and operations within Australian airspace. Part 39, specifically, addresses various safety directives to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/DH114/28, pertains to the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. CF.13 aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection of the flap datum hinge safety washer. This directive was introduced to address a specific safety concern identified in the Heron series aeroplanes, aiming to maintain and enhance aircraft safety standards. The policy objective is to ensure that all models of the Heron series comply with the specified inspection requirements forthwith, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with the flap datum hinge.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, which concerns Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) aircraft, including all models of this series. This regulatory directive mandates that a specific inspection of the flap datum hinge safety washer must be conducted immediately. The legislation applies to any entity or person involved in the operation, maintenance, or certification of the DH114 (Heron) Series Aeroplanes, ensuring adherence to the prescribed safety standards set by CASA. The directive is issued under the Commonwealth of Australia and is applicable nationally, ensuring uniformity in safety standards across the aviation industry within Australia. The legislation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and compliance is mandatory for all relevant aircraft within the jurisdiction. Subordinate instruments may further detail specific inspection procedures or additional compliance requirements.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly AD/DH114/28, require that all models of the DH114 (Heron) series aeroplanes must undergo a specific inspection of the flap datum hinge safety washer. This inspection is mandatory and must be carried out immediately, as indicated by the compliance directive "forthwith" (s. 39-105). This means that operators of these aircraft are obligated to ensure that the flap datum hinge safety washer is inspected without delay. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by this legislation are clear and specific. Operators of the DH114 series aeroplanes must ensure that the flap datum hinge safety washer is inspected by qualified personnel who are aware of the safety requirements and have the necessary expertise to perform the inspection. The regulations do not specify who must perform the inspection, but it is expected that it will be done by individuals certified under relevant safety standards. Additionally, operators must maintain records of all inspections carried out, including details such as the date of inspection, the findings, and any corrective actions taken. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/DH114/28 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines or other administrative actions. Additionally, if an inspection reveals a defect in the flap datum hinge safety washer that could lead to a safety hazard, the aircraft may be grounded until the issue is rectified. This grounding can result in significant operational disruptions and additional costs for the operator. Furthermore, in cases where non-compliance leads to an accident or incident, the operator could face criminal charges, particularly if it is shown that the non-compliance directly contributed to the event. The maximum penalties for such offences can be substantial, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring aviation safety.