AD/DHA-3/3 - Wing Engine Mount Cross Brace Tube - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the administering authority for the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted to establish safety standards and requirements for civil aviation in Australia. Within this regulatory framework, the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives is designed to ensure that aircraft maintain an acceptable level of safety through compliance with specified directives. AD/DHA-3/3, which pertains to the DHA-3 (Drover) Series Aeroplanes, specifically addresses the modification of wing engine mount cross brace tubes. This directive aims to address the issue of structural integrity in certain wing engine mount configurations, particularly those involving cross brace tubes made of swg material at the forward end. The policy objective is to mitigate potential safety risks by requiring immediate compliance with the specified modifications, as outlined in DH TNS CT(A3) No. 22 or ANO 105.1.14.14.5.4. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Australian Government to ensure that all applicable aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers, crew, and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/DHA-3/3, apply to all models of Drover series aeroplanes equipped with wing engine mounts featuring cross brace tubes made from swg material at their forward ends. This directive mandates the immediate compliance of all affected aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel to ensure the safety and airworthiness of these aeroplanes. The regulations outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are administered at the Commonwealth level, govern the implementation and enforcement of this directive across Australia. The directive applies universally within the national jurisdiction and does not include any specific exclusions or exemptions; all aeroplanes meeting the criteria must comply without exception. The scope of the directive is further extended through subordinate instruments such as technical notices and airworthiness notes, which provide detailed guidance on compliance and implementation.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertain to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). For the DHA-3 (Drover) series aeroplanes, AD/DHA-3/3 focuses on the modification of the wing engine mount cross brace tube. Section 9/52 of this directive applies to all models of the aeroplane that have wing engine mounts fitted with cross brace tube end plates made of swg material at the forward end. The directive mandates compliance with either DH TNS CT(A3) No. 22 or ANO 105.1.14.14.5.4, and compliance is required forthwith. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are straightforward and demand immediate action. Operators and owners of DHA-3 (Drover) series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified wing engine mount cross brace tube modifications are carried out without delay. This requirement is to be undertaken in accordance with the provided technical notices or airworthiness notices, ensuring that the structural integrity and safety of the aeroplane are maintained. The directive's immediate compliance requirement underscores the importance of the modification for maintaining airworthiness. Failure to comply with the provisions set out in AD/DHA-3/3 could result in significant legal and safety repercussions. CASA has the authority to enforce these directives, and non-compliance could lead to penalties. The specific consequences for non-compliance are not detailed within the provided text, but generally, such breaches can result in enforcement actions, fines, and potentially grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. The severity of the penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, with CASA having the discretion to take appropriate action to ensure compliance and maintain aviation safety standards.