AD/DH114/36 - Outer Engine Mounting Attachment Fittings - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form the foundational regulatory framework for civil aviation safety in the country. Among these regulations, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards. A notable inclusion is the Airworthiness Directive AD/DH114/36 concerning the outer engine mounting attachment of the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) aircraft series. This directive was introduced to address a critical safety issue identified in the engine mounting fittings of these aircraft. The policy objective is to mandate regular inspections of these fittings to prevent potential failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft. Compliance with this directive is required within 300 hours of time in service after 31 May 1972, or before 30 September 1972, whichever occurs first, as outlined in the relevant aircraft documentation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/DH114/36 concerning the outer engine mounting attachment fittings of Heron (DH114) series aeroplanes, applies to all models of these aircraft. This regulation mandates that compliance with the inspection requirements must be achieved within 300 hours of time in service after 31 May 1972 or before 30 September 1972, whichever comes first. This directive is a Commonwealth regulation that impacts all operators and owners of Heron series aeroplanes within Australia, ensuring that the specified components are inspected according to the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. W.18, Issue 1 document. This regulatory measure is pivotal in maintaining the safety standards of civil aviation operations within the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the DH114 (Heron) Series Aeroplanes, are outlined in AD/DH114/36. This directive mandates the inspection of the outer engine mounting attachments, specifically the NK fittings, for all models of the Heron aircraft series (AD/DH114/36). The compliance requirement is that the inspection must be completed within 300 hours of the aircraft’s time in service following 31 May 1972 or before 30 September 1972, whichever comes first. This timeframe ensures that the inspections are performed within a specific window post-modification to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations imposed by this directive are primarily on the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They must ensure that the inspections of the outer engine mounting attachments are carried out according to the specified schedule and using the Hawker Siddeley TNS Heron (114) No. W.18, Issue 1 document as the reference. This involves detailed checks to ascertain that the NK fittings are in the correct condition and free from any defects or wear that could compromise the structural integrity of the engine mountings. Operators must also maintain accurate records of these inspections, demonstrating compliance with the directive. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/DH114/36 can lead to significant legal and operational consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance within the directive itself, but under the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988, there can be severe repercussions. These may include civil penalties such as fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in a safety incident. The exact penalties would be determined by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and could vary based on the severity and impact of the non-compliance.