AD/DHC-2/23 Amdt 1 - Stabilising Fins

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through the legislative instrument F2006B09041, addresses the safety concerns associated with the stabilising fins of DHC-2 (Beaver) Series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation was introduced to address the problem of hazardous adverse directional stability in certain DHC-2 Beaver aircraft models when equipped with specific floats but not the required fins. The objective of this regulation is to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating compliance with the technical requirements specified by Transport Canada, as outlined in Amendment 1 to Airworthiness Directive DHC2/23. This directive requires specific action to be taken by the operators of affected aircraft to ensure their compliance with the safety standards set forth, effective from 8 August 1991. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, issued this amendment to incorporate the requirements from Revision 2 of the Requirement Document, which consolidates previous directives and includes additional specifications for stabilising fins and wipline ventral fins. This legislative instrument aims to maintain high safety standards in the aviation sector by ensuring that all DHC-2 Beaver aircraft operating in Australia meet the necessary safety criteria to prevent hazardous conditions during flight.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, and applies to all aircraft registered in Australia. The particular airworthiness directive, AD/DHC2/23 Amendment 1, addresses stabilising fins for the DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes, particularly those equipped with EDO Model 679-4930 floats or floats or amphibious floats listed in Type approval Number A-22, at Issue 20, but not equipped with specific fins as outlined in the Requirement Document. This directive applies to Model DHC-2 Mk I and Mk II Beaver aircraft to ensure flight safety by addressing hazardous adverse directional stability that may occur when the aircraft is not equipped with the specified fins. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the safety of flight operations, and it must be adhered to unless the required action has already been taken, with the directive taking effect from 8 August 1991. This regulation is intended to ensure that the aircraft in question are equipped to meet the necessary safety standards before further flights are undertaken.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate compliance for DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes (sections 39.105 and following). The directive AD/DHC2/23 Amendment 1 pertains to the stabilising fins of DHC-2 Mk I and Mk II Beaver aircraft equipped with EDO Model 679-4930 floats or floats or amphibious floats listed in Type approval Number A-22 at Issue 20, but not equipped with fins as specified in the Requirement Document. This amendment requires action to be taken in accordance with the Technical Requirements of Transport Canada AD CF-83-09 R2. Compliance is necessary unless the action has already been performed, and must occur before further flight after 8 August 1991. The obligations imposed by this legislation mandate that the specified aircraft models must adhere to the outlined requirements for stabilising fins. This entails ensuring that the aircraft is equipped with fins as per the Requirement Document, to prevent hazardous adverse directional stability during flight. Operators and owners of the affected aircraft must conduct the necessary modifications or checks to comply with the directive. Furthermore, the directive necessitates that these modifications or compliance checks must be completed before any further flights take place post the directive's effective date of 8 August 1991. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive may result in significant legal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to civil penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. The specific maximum penalties are not detailed in the directive but can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring airworthiness and safety in aviation. Additionally, the continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft may result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which could include grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the directives to maintain the safety standards required in civil aviation.