AD/DH114/46 - Fuel System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia. One specific legislative instrument under this act is F2006B08958, which addresses a critical safety concern for the DH114 (Heron) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the problem of non-compliance with specific aviation standards, particularly regarding the fuel system modifications. The policy objective of this regulation is to ensure that any modifications to the fuel system of the DH114 model 2D/A1 aircraft adhere to strict safety requirements, thereby mitigating risks associated with non-compliance. The enactment underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols to protect the integrity and safety of air travel within Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, govern the safety and airworthiness of civil aircraft in Australia. This legislative instrument applies to DH114 model 2D/A1 aircraft that have undergone modifications in accordance with AVDEV Airlines drawing No AA17. The regulations mandate that these aircraft must either isolate the outboard tank system as per East Coast Airlines E.O. Sydney Q2/84 issue 2 or modify the fuel system in a manner acceptable to the Secretary. It is imperative that these requirements are met before any further flight is undertaken. The application of this legislation extends across the Commonwealth, ensuring a consistent approach to civil aviation safety throughout Australia. Furthermore, the approval of AVDEV Airlines Drawing No AA17 has been withdrawn, indicating that any modifications based on this document are no longer valid.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/DH114/46, a directive concerning the fuel system modifications of the DH114 (Heron) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to DH114 model 2D/A1 aircraft that have undergone modifications in line with AVDEV Airlines drawing No AA17 (section 6/85 TXApplicability). The primary requirement of AD/DH114/46 is to ensure that either the outboard tank system is isolated according to East Coast Airlines E.O. Sydney Q2/84 issue 2 (Requirement 1) or that the fuel system is modified in a manner acceptable to the Secretary (Requirement 2). It is also critical to note that approval for AVDEV Airlines Drawing No AA17 has been withdrawn (Requirement 3). Compliance with these requirements must be achieved before the aircraft can be flown again (Compliance). The obligations imposed by AD/DH114/46 include the necessity for operators of DH114 model 2D/A1 aircraft that have been modified as per AVDEV Airlines Drawing No AA17 to take specific actions to ensure compliance with the directive. Operators must isolate the outboard tank system in accordance with the East Coast Airlines E.O. Sydney Q2/84 issue 2, or alternatively, modify the fuel system in a manner deemed acceptable by the Secretary. The directive does not leave room for ambiguity or alternative interpretations; it mandates adherence to the outlined procedures. These obligations are critical for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety standards are upheld. Failure to comply with AD/DH114/46 can result in significant legal and operational repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail the penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives within the provided text. However, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations typically include potential civil penalties, such as fines, and criminal penalties, which may involve imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the discretion of the court. It is essential for operators to ensure strict adherence to the directive to avoid any legal consequences and to maintain the operational integrity of their aircraft.