AD/DH114/31 - Rudder Control Pedal Reversal Lever - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, encompass various safety directives to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australia. One such directive is AD/DH114/31, which pertains to the rudder control pedal reversal lever inspection of Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted to address potential issues related to the rudder control system, ensuring that these aircraft maintain safe operational standards. The objective of this legislation is to mandate regular inspections of the rudder control pedal reversal lever to prevent any malfunction that could compromise flight safety. This regulation was established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1971, and then at intervals not exceeding 2400 hours of time in service thereafter.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically pertain to the maintenance and safety of civil aviation, including the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. CF.15 aircraft. The regulations apply to all entities and individuals involved in the operation of these aircraft, ensuring adherence to safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope of the legislation extends to all Heron Series Aeroplanes, mandating compliance with the specified safety directives, including the inspection of the rudder control pedal reversal lever within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1971, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 2400 hours of time in service. This legislation is comprehensive in its application across the national jurisdiction, ensuring uniform standards and safety measures are enforced throughout the Commonwealth. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly mentioned in the directive, although the application and enforcement of these regulations may be extended or detailed further through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR) under Part 39, specifically section 105, detail the Airworthiness Directives (AD) for various aircraft types. The AD for the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) Series aeroplanes, identified as AD/DH114/31, pertains to the rudder control pedal reversal lever. Section (1) specifies the applicability of this directive to all models of the Heron series. The directive mandates that the rudder control pedal reversal lever should be inspected within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1971 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 2400 hours of time in service. Operators and owners of the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) aeroplanes are required to comply with the AD/DH114/31 by ensuring that inspections of the rudder control pedal reversal lever are conducted as specified. This obligation is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring safety during flight operations. The inspection must be thorough and must adhere to the prescribed intervals to prevent any potential operational risks associated with the rudder control system. Failure to comply with AD/DH114/31 can result in serious safety implications, potentially leading to operational issues or even accidents. Section (3) of the CARs imposes penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Civil penalties may be imposed, and in severe cases, criminal charges can be brought against operators who neglect to adhere to these safety mandates. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with AD/DH114/31 could be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of adhering to airworthiness standards to ensure public safety in civil aviation.