AD/DHC-3/8 - With Skin Riveting and Flap Hydraulic System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through legislative instrument F2006B09094, were enacted to address the need for consistent and enforceable standards in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of civil aviation activities in Australia. The regulations were established by the Australian Government under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This particular amendment pertains to the DHC-3 (Otter) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing the skin riveting and flap hydraulic system as outlined in Airworthiness Directive AD/DHC-3/8. The policy objective of these regulations is to mandate actions in compliance with De Havilland Canada Engineering Bulletins No 17 and 18, thereby ensuring that the aircraft maintain the necessary safety standards to prevent potential hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, apply to the DHC-3 (Otter) series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates actions in accordance with De Havilland Canada EB “O” No 17 and 18, referencing Canadian AD 56-3, with the requirement for compliance to be executed forthwith. The scope of this regulation encompasses all DHC-3 series aeroplanes operating within Australia, ensuring these aircraft meet specific airworthiness criteria, particularly those concerning skin riveting and the flap hydraulic system. This legislative instrument ensures safety standards are upheld by requiring prompt action to address identified issues, thereby safeguarding the integrity and safety of air travel within Australia. The regulation's applicability is strictly defined by the requirements detailed in the associated documents, with no exclusions or exemptions specified within the text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertaining to DHC-3 (Otter) Series Aeroplanes, includes a directive (AD/DHC-3/8) concerning skin riveting and the flap hydraulic system. This directive mandates actions in accordance with De H Canada EB “O” No 17 and 18, with a reference to Canadian AD 56-3, which should be adhered to without delay. The directive applies to aeroplanes as detailed in the Requirement Document and requires compliance forthwith. The obligations under this directive include ensuring that the skin riveting on the DHC-3 (Otter) Series Aeroplanes is carried out according to the specifications outlined in De H Canada EB “O” No 17 and 18. This involves meticulous inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure the structural integrity of the aeroplane is not compromised. Additionally, the flap hydraulic system must be examined and maintained in line with the referenced Canadian AD 56-3 to guarantee it operates effectively and safely. Operators and owners of the DHC-3 (Otter) Series Aeroplanes must ensure that these requirements are met as per the detailed instructions in the Requirement Document. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can lead to significant consequences. If an aeroplane is found to be non-compliant, it may be grounded until the necessary repairs and inspections are completed. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these directives, and non-compliance could result in severe penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the directive itself, breaches of airworthiness regulations typically carry substantial fines and potential criminal charges for those responsible, in addition to the immediate operational and safety risks associated with non-compliance.