COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-2/1 Fuel Tanks Inspection and “No Smoking Placards”
6/61
Applicability: All models except those aeroplanes in which it is shown, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that modifications have been incorporated to obviate leakage of the fuel tanks.
Requirement: 1. Inspection:
(a) Inspect the lower surface of the fuselage in the fuel tank area for stains, dampness and other indications of fuel leakage.
(b) This inspection may be performed and certified by a pilot whose licence is endorsed for De Havilland DHC-2 (Beaver) aeroplanes. Recording action of the inspection in not required.
(c) If fuel tank leakage has occurred the aeroplane shall not be flown until corrective action has been taken.
2. Installation:
Placard the cabin of the aeroplane with “NO SMOKING” sign(s) conspicuously displayed and readily visible to all occupants.
Compliance: For para. 1(a) - before each flight.
For para. 2 - forthwith.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a critical part of the regulatory framework governing aviation safety across the country. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B09026, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for DHC-2 (Beaver) series aeroplanes, aiming to address issues related to fuel tank leakage and smoking restrictions within the aircraft. This instrument was introduced to ensure that aeroplanes maintain safe operational standards, particularly concerning fuel system integrity and fire hazards associated with smoking onboard. The policy objective is to mitigate risks related to fuel leaks and smoking, thereby enhancing the overall safety of civil aviation operations.
The enactment of F2006B09026 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 underscores the Australian Government's commitment to stringent aviation safety measures. For DHC-2 (Beaver) aeroplanes, the directive mandates a thorough inspection of the fuel tank area to detect any signs of leakage and requires the immediate installation of "No Smoking" placards. These measures are intended to prevent potential fire hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations, ultimately protecting the lives of passengers and crew.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39-105 pertaining to DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes, mandates certain safety procedures and installations to ensure operational safety. This directive applies to all models of the DHC-2 (Beaver) aeroplanes except those where modifications have been made to prevent fuel tank leakage, as confirmed by the Secretary. The requirement for inspection involves checking the lower surface of the fuselage in the fuel tank area for any signs of leaks, such as stains or dampness, which can be performed and certified by a pilot licensed for the DHC-2 aeroplane. The installation requirement mandates that "NO SMOKING" signs must be visibly placed in the aeroplane cabin. The inspection must be conducted before each flight, while the installation of the "NO SMOKING" signs must be completed immediately. The regulations extend their application through subordinate instruments as required to ensure compliance and safety standards are maintained across the specified fleet.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, AD/DHC-2/1 addresses the inspection of fuel tanks and the installation of "No Smoking" placards. The directive applies to all models of DHC-2 aeroplanes, except those where modifications have been made to prevent fuel tank leakage, as confirmed by the Secretary.
Section 1 of the directive mandates that the lower surface of the fuselage in the fuel tank area must be inspected before each flight (Section 1(a)) for any stains, dampness, or other signs of fuel leakage. This inspection can be conducted by a pilot who holds a licence endorsed for De Havilland DHC-2 aeroplanes, and while the inspection must be carried out, recording the action is not required (Section 1(b)). If any leakage is detected, the aeroplane must not be flown until corrective measures are implemented (Section 1(c)). Additionally, Section 2 requires that "No Smoking" signs be installed in the cabin, ensuring they are prominently displayed and visible to all occupants as soon as possible (Section 2).
The obligations under this directive are straightforward but crucial for maintaining airworthiness. Operators of DHC-2 aeroplanes must ensure that the required inspections are conducted by appropriately licensed pilots before each flight and that any indications of fuel leakage are addressed immediately. Furthermore, they must install and maintain "No Smoking" signs in the cabin, ensuring they remain visible to all occupants at all times.
Failure to comply with these directives can have serious consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed within the directive itself, breaches of Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Such actions can include fines, the grounding of the aeroplane, or even the suspension or revocation of the operator’s licence. The exact penalties would be determined based on the severity of the breach and applicable provisions within the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations.