COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
DHC-3 (Otter) Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-3/30 Elevator Connecting Rod 11/78
Applicability: All DHC-3 series.
Requirement: Action in accordance with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada SB No 3/35.
Compliance: Within 10 hours time in service after 16 October 1978 and thereafter at any time if parked aircraft has been subjected to jet blast, helicopter blast or winds in excess of 40 knots.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, represent a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety and operations within Australian airspace. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B09080, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for DHC-3 (Otter) Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing elevator connecting rods. This regulation was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the structural integrity of elevator connecting rods in DHC-3 aircraft, ensuring compliance with safety standards to prevent potential failures during operation. The directive mandates corrective actions as outlined in De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No 3/35, requiring compliance within a specified timeframe after the directive's issuance and under certain conditions such as exposure to jet blast, helicopter blast, or high winds. The policy objective is to enhance the overall safety of DHC-3 aircraft by maintaining the integrity of critical components.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all DHC-3 series aeroplanes, including both civilian and commercial aircraft. This regulation mandates compliance with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No 3/35, specifically regarding the elevator connecting rod. The action required must be carried out within 10 hours of the aeroplane being in service after 16 October 1978 and must also be observed whenever a parked aircraft has been subjected to jet blast, helicopter blast, or winds exceeding 40 knots. The scope of this regulation is confined to the specified aircraft series and the particular issue of elevator connecting rods. This regulation is a part of the national aviation safety framework and applies across all states and territories within Australia, ensuring uniformity in safety standards. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, but its applicability is triggered by specific conditions related to the aircraft's operational history and environmental exposure.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety requirements for DHC-3 (Otter) series aeroplanes. The directive AD/DHC-3/30 focuses on the elevator connecting rod (Section 11/78). The main requirement is that all DHC-3 series aircraft must adhere to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin No 3/35 concerning the elevator connecting rod. This action must be taken within 10 hours of the aircraft being in service after 16 October 1978. Moreover, the directive mandates that if a parked aircraft has been exposed to jet blast, helicopter blast, or winds exceeding 40 knots, the required action must be taken regardless of the aircraft's time in service.
The obligations imposed by this Act are clear and specific. Operators of DHC-3 series aeroplanes must ensure that the elevator connecting rod is addressed in compliance with the specified service bulletin within the stipulated timeframe. Additionally, if an aircraft has been subjected to the specified environmental conditions while parked, it must undergo the necessary inspection and action to rectify any issues related to the elevator connecting rod. Compliance with these requirements is essential to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure the safety of all persons on board.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Act can result in serious consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or civil and criminal consequences are not detailed in the text provided, it is generally understood that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant penalties under Australian aviation law. Typically, these penalties may include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, and potential criminal charges for operators who fail to adhere to mandatory safety directives. The severity of the penalties can vary, but they are designed to enforce strict compliance with safety regulations to protect public safety and ensure the integrity of the aviation system.