COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-1/9 Rudder Torque Tube Flange - Inspection 9/57
Applicability: All models.
Requirement: 1. Remove the rudder, clean the Rudder Torque Flange P/N C1-TR-91, and inspect for cracks in the area of the shoulders on the semi- circular flange and the rivets securing the flange to the rudder torque tube. This inspection shall be made by either the dye penetrant method or visually with the aid of a 10X lens.
2. If cracking has occurred replace the flange before further flight; or 3. ANO 105.1.14.15.6.3.
Compliance: At intervals not exceeding 250 hours time in service.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a key component of Australian civil aviation law, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across the industry. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 pertains to Airworthiness Directives, which are legally enforceable rules relating to the design, production, maintenance and operation of aircraft. The legislation was enacted to address safety concerns and ensure that all aircraft meet the necessary airworthiness standards. This includes establishing specific maintenance and inspection requirements for various aircraft types, such as the De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes, as outlined in AD/DHC-1/9. The Rudder Torque Tube Flange inspection requirement, which necessitates regular checks for cracks on the Rudder Torque Flange, was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to mitigate risks associated with structural failures in the rudder system. The policy objective behind these regulations is to enhance the safety and reliability of aircraft operations within Australian airspace.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations are designed to enforce compliance with airworthiness standards and ensure that aircraft are maintained in a safe condition. The specific Airworthiness Directive for the De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes, including the requirement for regular inspections of the Rudder Torque Tube Flange, is intended to prevent potential structural failures that could compromise flight safety. The directive mandates inspections at intervals not exceeding 250 hours of time in service, ensuring that any issues are identified and rectified promptly. This proactive approach underscores the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, applies to all aircraft operating within Australian airspace, including all De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series aeroplanes. This legislation mandates that these aircraft must comply with certain airworthiness directives, such as AD/DHC-1/9, which concerns the inspection of the rudder torque tube flange. The requirement involves removing the rudder, cleaning the specified flange, and inspecting for cracks using either the dye penetrant method or a visual inspection aided by a 10X lens. If any cracks are found, the flange must be replaced before the aircraft can be flown again. Compliance with this directive is essential and must occur at intervals not exceeding 250 hours of time in service. The application of these regulations ensures that all De Havilland DHC-1 aeroplanes maintain their airworthiness, thereby safeguarding the safety of both the aircraft and its occupants.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, introduces AD/DHC-1/9, which pertains to the inspection of the Rudder Torque Flange on De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes (subsection 105.1.14). The regulation applies to all models of these aircraft, mandating a thorough inspection of the Rudder Torque Flange P/N C1-TR-91. The inspection must be conducted to detect any cracks at the shoulders of the semi-circular flange and the rivets securing the flange to the rudder torque tube (subsection 9/57.1). This can be achieved using either the dye penetrant method or visual inspection aided by a 10X lens (subsection 9/57.2). If any cracks are detected, the affected flange must be replaced before any further flights (subsection 9/57.3).
These regulations impose specific obligations on the parties and entities they govern. Operators of De Havilland DHC-1 (Chipmunk) Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the Rudder Torque Flange P/N C1-TR-91 is inspected at intervals not exceeding 250 hours of time in service (subsection 105.1.14.15.6.3). This inspection must be conducted meticulously and in accordance with the prescribed methods to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Any operator who fails to comply with these requirements may face serious consequences that could affect the safety of their operations.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in AD/DHC-1/9 can lead to various penalties and legal consequences. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state maximum penalties, non-compliance can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections are completed and any defects are rectified. Such enforcement actions are intended to ensure that all operators adhere to the safety standards necessary to protect passengers, crew, and the general public. Therefore, it is imperative that operators and maintenance personnel are fully aware of their obligations under these regulations to avoid any legal repercussions.