Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, addresses issues related to ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft and the safety of those on board. Specifically, the 1998 Regulations were amended to include a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives aimed at maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation. One such directive, AD/DH114/47, pertains to modifications of the fuel system in DH114 (Heron) series aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to rectify shortcomings identified in the fuel system of these aircraft, ensuring compliance with safety standards and preventing potential hazards associated with the original configuration. The policy objective behind these regulations is to enhance the safety and reliability of civil aviation by mandating specific modifications and updates to aircraft systems, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Heron series aeroplanes that have undergone modifications according to Connair Pty. Drawing 73B006 and associated engineering orders, including the 7/85DM modification. This regulation mandates compliance by ensuring the aircraft meet certain safety standards regarding their fuel system. The directive AD/DH114/47 requires the removal of the low-level shut-off valve from the inboard fuel tanks and its relocation to the outboard fuel tanks, along with the relocation of the submerged boost pump from the outboard to the inboard tanks. To achieve this, it is recommended to use pre-modification 73B006 outboard tank base plates and gaskets; however, if unavailable, existing plates can be modified or new ones fabricated from specified materials. The inboard tank base plate will require a blanking plate to be fitted, and the electrical system must be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the fuel boost pump selector switches need to be placarded, and updates to the flight manual and maintenance manuals must be incorporated as approved by the Secretary. Compliance with these modifications is mandatory before further flight after 30 September 1985, following a review that identified necessary improvements in the fuel system.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, pertaining to the DH114 (Heron) Series Aeroplanes, specifically require modifications to the fuel system and relocation of certain components. According to AD/DH114/47, all models modified to Connair Pty. Drawing 73B006 and associated engineering drawings and orders must comply with several requirements. Firstly, the low-level shut-off valve from the inboard fuel tanks must be removed and installed in the outboard fuel tanks (section 1). Secondly, the submerged boost pump from the outboard tanks must be removed and installed in the inboard tanks (section 2). If the pre-modification 73B006 outboard tank base plates and associated gaskets are unavailable, existing base plates can be modified or new ones manufactured from 2024-T3 0.125 inch aluminium alloy (section 2). Additionally, a blanking plate must be fitted to the inboard tank base plate low-level cut-off valve aperture using 2024-T3 0.125 inch aluminium alloy (section 2). The electrical system must be modified as required to facilitate these component relocations (section 3). The fuel boost pump selector switches must be placarded accordingly (section 4). A flight manual amendment must be incorporated to reflect variations in fuel management procedures (section 5). Finally, maintenance manuals and maintenance schedules must be amended in a manner approved by the Secretary (section 6). The obligations imposed by this legislation are primarily on the operators and maintenance personnel of the DH114 (Heron) Series Aeroplanes that have undergone the specified modifications. These parties must ensure that the modifications outlined in AD/DH114/47 are completed before further flight after 30 September 1985. This includes the relocation of the low-level shut-off valve and submerged boost pump, any necessary modifications to the electrical system, and the placarding of the fuel boost pump selector switches. Operators must also incorporate the flight manual amendment and ensure that maintenance manuals and schedules are updated as approved by the Secretary. Compliance with these requirements is essential to address the identified shortcomings in the fuel system. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/DH114/47 may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, it is understood that non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to significant penalties. In general, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the power to impose fines and sanctions on operators and maintenance personnel who do not adhere to the prescribed safety standards. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any subsequent investigations and legal proceedings. Given the safety implications of the modifications, the consequences for non-compliance could be severe, potentially including substantial fines and other regulatory actions.