AD/DHC-2/12 Amdt 2 - Left and Right Wing Intermediate Rib Assembly Stations 15.50, 29.00 and 42.50 - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safe operation of aircraft in Australia, thereby addressing safety concerns within the aviation industry. Specifically, Part 39 - 105, which pertains to Airworthiness Directives, was introduced to provide a structured and enforceable framework for the maintenance and inspection of aircraft, ensuring they meet specific safety standards. One such directive, AD/DHC-2/12 Amendment 2, addresses the inspection and modification of left and right wing intermediate rib assembly stations 15.50, 29.00, and 42.50 for all DHC-2 (Beaver) series aeroplanes. The objective of this directive is to correct discrepancies in rib station numbers, include an additional rib assembly, and clarify the requirements for inspection and modification to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft. The policy objective is to maintain a high standard of safety and reliability in civil aviation operations, reducing the risk of in-flight incidents.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/DHC-2/12 Amendment 2, pertains to all model DHC-2 aircraft, ensuring their continued airworthiness. This directive applies to the left and right wing intermediate rib assembly stations 15.50, 29.00, and 42.50, mandating inspection and modification to address structural integrity concerns identified in the De Havilland of Canada EB Series “B” No. 35. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring inspection within 250 hours of time in service after the directive's issue date of 17 September 1984, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of time in service, until modification 2/1497 is implemented. This directive’s scope and applicability extend across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring consistent safety standards and regulatory compliance within the national aviation industry. Any deviations or exclusions from this directive must be explicitly detailed in subordinate instruments or further regulatory clarifications.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives (ADs) which are essential for ensuring the safety of aircraft in operation. One such directive is AD/DHC-2/12 Amendment 2, which pertains to the DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the left and right wing intermediate rib assembly stations 15.50, 29.00, and 42.50 (Section 39-105). This directive mandates that all DHC-2 aircraft, regardless of their model, must comply with the specified inspection and modification requirements to ensure their airworthiness (Section 39-105). The directive applies to aircraft with a De Havilland of Canada EB Series “B” No. 35. The inspection must occur within 250 hours of time in service after 17 September 1984, and then at intervals not exceeding 500 hours of time in service until a particular modification (2/1497) is incorporated (Section 39-105). Operators and owners of DHC-2 aircraft have the obligation to adhere strictly to the AD/DHC-2/12 Amendment 2. This includes conducting the required inspections and modifications as specified. They must ensure that the inspections are performed by qualified personnel and that any identified issues are rectified promptly. Furthermore, they must keep detailed records of all inspections and modifications performed on the aircraft to demonstrate compliance with the AD (Section 39-105). Non-compliance with these directives could lead to severe consequences, including grounding of the aircraft and potential legal actions. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/DHC-2/12 Amendment 2 can result in significant legal and financial penalties. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions against the aircraft operator or owner. Depending on the severity of the breach, penalties can include fines, suspension of the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, or even criminal charges. The exact penalties are not specified in the directive but are determined by CASA based on the specific circumstances of the violation (Section 39-105). It is crucial for all parties involved to take these directives seriously to avoid any adverse consequences.