AD/DHC-3/26 - Tailplane Hinge Bolts

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This legislative instrument is particularly concerned with the continuous and rigorous maintenance of aircraft to prevent technical failures and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The inclusion of specific Airworthiness Directives, such as AD/DHC-3/26, which pertains to the maintenance of tailplane hinge bolts on DHC-3 (Otter) series aeroplanes, demonstrates a commitment to addressing identified safety issues through mandated inspections and repairs. The objective is to mitigate risks by enforcing regular and systematic compliance with safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all DHC-3 (Otter) Series aeroplanes, encompassing any individual, company, or entity involved in the operation of these aircraft. This regulation mandates compliance with the De H Canada Service Bulletin No 3/14 concerning tailplane hinge bolts, ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft. The regulation is applicable on a national level across Australia, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Compliance is required within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 30 June 1971, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 800 hours of time in service. The regulation does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the specified compliance timeframes and operational conditions. The application of these regulations can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which may provide further details or specific operational requirements as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, address the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives, specifically focusing on DHC-3 (Otter) series aeroplanes with AD/DHC-3/26. Section 39-105 mandates the compliance of all DHC-3 models with the specified airworthiness directive regarding tailplane hinge bolts (Section 39-105(1)). The requirement is that all actions must be in accordance with De H Canada Service Bulletin No. 3/14 (Section 39-105(2)). Compliance with this directive must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1971, and subsequently, the compliance must be maintained at intervals not exceeding 800 hours of time in service (Section 39-105(3)). The obligations imposed by this regulation are stringent and clear. Operators of DHC-3 (Otter) series aeroplanes must ensure that their aircraft comply with the specified airworthiness directive concerning tailplane hinge bolts. This involves following the detailed instructions provided in De H Canada Service Bulletin No. 3/14. The obligation to comply within the specified timeframes—within 100 hours after 30 June 1971 and then at intervals not exceeding 800 hours—ensures that the safety standards are consistently upheld. This includes thorough inspections and necessary repairs or replacements as per the service bulletin's guidelines. Failure to comply with these directives can result in serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the offences, penalties, or consequences in the provided text, but non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries significant risks. In the broader context of aviation safety regulations, violations can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Such actions might include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory sanctions. The severity of penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained, thereby protecting both the operators and the public.