AD/DHA-3/17 - Fuselage at Wing Rear Pickups - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B08973, address issues pertaining to the airworthiness of DHA-3 (Drover) Series Aeroplanes, particularly focusing on modifications to the fuselage at the wing rear pickups. This regulation was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aiming to ensure the highest safety standards in civil aviation. The policy objective underpinning these regulations is to mandate immediate compliance with specified modifications to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. These regulations are essential in mitigating risks associated with the identified problem, ensuring that all models of DHA-3 aeroplanes meet the required safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all models within the DHA-3 (Drover) Series Aeroplanes, mandating modifications to the fuselage at the wing rear pickups as detailed in AD/DHA-3/17. This legislation governs the safety standards that must be met by all entities operating these aircraft, ensuring compliance with the modifications outlined in either DH TNS CT(A3) No. 105 or DH Modification DRO 96. The directive requires immediate compliance, underscoring the critical nature of these safety measures. The scope of this legislation is national, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring a uniform standard of safety for all operators of the specified aircraft within the country. The regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions, indicating that all relevant entities must adhere to the prescribed safety directives without exception.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the DHA-3 (Drover) series aeroplanes, which mandates modifications to the fuselage at wing rear pickups (section 4/58). This directive applies to all models of the DHA-3 series aeroplanes. The directive references two documents, DH TNS CT(A3) No. 105 and DH Modification DRO 96, which detail the specific compliance requirements and the modifications to be implemented. Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, meaning that the specified modifications must be carried out immediately. The obligations imposed by this AD are straightforward yet critical for ensuring the airworthiness and safety of the DHA-3 series aeroplanes. Operators and owners of these aircraft must ensure that the modifications to the fuselage at the wing rear pickups are performed in accordance with the referenced documents. These documents provide detailed instructions on how to implement the modifications correctly, ensuring that the structural integrity of the aircraft is maintained or improved. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing it from being operated legally. Breaching the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences, both civil and criminal. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an AD can result in penalties, including fines. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the Civil Aviation Regulations but can be substantial, reflecting the importance of maintaining aircraft safety. Additionally, operating an aircraft that does not comply with applicable airworthiness directives can be considered an offence under the Act, potentially leading to prosecution. This underscores the necessity for operators and owners to adhere strictly to the requirements set forth in the AD.