AD/DHC-2/4 - Undercarriage Legs - Anti-Corrosion Treatment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of Part 39 - 105, aim to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft within Australian airspace. Specifically, AD/DHC-2/4 addresses a critical safety concern related to the undercarriage legs of DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive was enacted to combat corrosion issues that could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, thus enhancing flight safety. The directive applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 943 and 946, requiring immediate compliance with the anti-corrosion treatment specified in the DH (Canada) TNS Series “B” No. 90, Issue 2. This legislative measure was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the clear policy objective of mitigating potential safety risks through stringent airworthiness standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives for DHC-2 (Beaver) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models within the specified serial number range, from 1 to 943 and 946, mandating immediate compliance with the anti-corrosion treatment requirements outlined in the document DH (Canada) TNS Series “B” No. 90, Issue 2. The directive is issued to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by addressing potential corrosion issues in the undercarriage legs. The regulation is enforceable across the Commonwealth of Australia and applies to all entities and persons involved in the maintenance, operation, and oversight of the affected aircraft within this jurisdiction. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, thereby applying uniformly to the identified aircraft models within its scope. Subordinate instruments may further elaborate on the compliance and enforcement mechanisms for these airworthiness directives.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within PART 39 - 105, pertain to the Airworthiness Directives for DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes. Section 105.001 outlines the applicability and compliance requirements for specific models, while section 105.002 details the necessary procedures and timeframes for addressing these directives. The directive AD/DHC-2/4, concerning the undercarriage legs and their anti-corrosion treatment, applies to all models with serial numbers from 1 to 943 and 946. Compliance with this directive must be achieved in accordance with the DH (Canada) TNS Series “B” No. 90, Issue 2 document, with the requirement to act "forthwith," indicating immediate action is necessary. The obligations and requirements imposed by these sections on the parties or entities governed are stringent. Aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance providers must ensure that the undercarriage legs of the specified DHC-2 (Beaver) Series Aeroplanes are treated to prevent corrosion as outlined in the referenced technical bulletin. This involves adherence to the anti-corrosion treatment procedures set forth in the DH (Canada) TNS Series “B” No. 90, Issue 2 document, which includes detailed steps for inspection, treatment, and certification of the treated parts. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, leading to potential grounding and further regulatory action. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 also establish clear consequences for non-compliance with the directives. Breach of the provisions outlined in sections 105.001 and 105.002, such as failure to address the anti-corrosion treatment directive within the specified timeframe, can result in enforcement actions. These may include fines, administrative penalties, or even criminal charges in cases of gross negligence. While specific maximum penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is typically subject to substantial fines and potential imprisonment for responsible individuals, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring aviation safety.