Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, represent a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and operational integrity of civil aviation in Australia. One specific part of this regulatory structure is Part 39, which includes Airworthiness Directives aimed at addressing identified safety concerns in particular aircraft models. The directive AD/DH114/6 Amendment 2, pertaining to the Heron Series Aeroplanes, focuses on the inspection of the mainplane upper and lower NK spar booms to mitigate the risk of structural failure due to corrosion. This legislative instrument is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft, ensuring that operators adhere to stringent inspection intervals to prevent potential safety hazards. The policy objective of these regulations is to enhance the safety of civil aviation by mandating specific maintenance and inspection protocols. By enforcing regular and thorough inspections of critical structural components such as the wing main spar booms, the regulations aim to detect and address corrosion issues before they escalate into more severe problems. This proactive approach is crucial in preserving the structural integrity of aircraft, thereby safeguarding the lives of passengers and crew, and maintaining public confidence in the safety of air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all models of the DH114 (Heron) series aeroplanes, mandating specific inspection requirements for the wing main spar upper and lower booms. This regulation ensures that the inspections are conducted in accordance with De Havilland and TNS No. W7, Issue 2, focusing on two critical areas: from outboard of the main fuel tank bays to the tip, and in the area of the main fuel tank bays. The compliance schedule for these inspections varies depending on whether the aircraft has been modified in accordance with Heron Modifications No. 790 or No. 779, with unmodified aircraft requiring inspections at intervals not exceeding six months, and modified aircraft at intervals not exceeding twelve months. Additionally, if corrosion is detected during the inspection of areas outboard of the main fuel tank bays, further inspections must be conducted before further flight, as per the specified intervals in the De Havilland Heron Recommended Maintenance Schedule for fuel tank removal. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia and affecting all operators of DH114 (Heron) series aeroplanes within its territory. The regulations are designed to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft by enforcing stringent inspection protocols to prevent structural failures, thus ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. While the primary directive lays out the inspection requirements, the specific details and thresholds for compliance are further delineated in subordinate instruments such as De Havilland TNS No. W7, Issue 2 and the De Havilland Heron Recommended Maintenance Schedule.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the airworthiness directives for the DH114 (Heron) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation mandates inspections of the wing main spar upper and lower booms for all models of the DH114 aircraft series. Section 1 of the directive requires inspections to be conducted from outboard of the main fuel tank bays to the tip of the wings, as well as in the area of the main fuel tank bays, in accordance with De Havilland and TNS No. W7, Issue 2. Compliance with these inspection requirements is crucial to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of the aircraft. The obligations under this directive vary based on whether the aircraft has been modified in accordance with Heron Modifications No. 790 or No. 779. For aircraft that have not undergone these modifications, inspections must be carried out at intervals not exceeding six months. For aircraft that have been modified under these specifications, the inspection interval can extend up to twelve months. Additionally, if corrosion is detected in the wing main spar upper or lower booms during an inspection, the aircraft must be inspected before any further flight. The directive also specifies inspection intervals for areas around the main fuel tank bays. If corrosion is identified during the initial inspection, these areas must be inspected before the aircraft is flown again. In the absence of corrosion, inspections of these areas must align with the intervals specified in the De Havilland Heron Recommended Maintenance Schedule for the removal of fuel tanks. Failure to comply with the inspection requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant consequences. The regulations impose both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties can result in imprisonment. The exact penalties are determined by the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court. Ensuring adherence to these inspection requirements is essential for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the DH114 (Heron) Series Aeroplanes.