AD/DHC-6/12 - Aileron Mass Balance - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, are comprehensive regulations that govern civil aviation operations within Australia. One specific legislative instrument under this act, F2006B09099, pertains to airworthiness directives for the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes, specifically focusing on aileron mass balance modifications. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for ensuring the airworthiness and safety of DHC-6 aeroplanes by mandating compliance with specific modifications as outlined in De Havilland Aircraft of Canada’s Mod. Bulletin No. 6/1104, with a compliance deadline set before 1 September 1968. The policy objective of this directive is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation operations by ensuring that all applicable DHC-6 aeroplanes meet the specified airworthiness requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all models within the specified series with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 115, mandating compliance with the aileron mass balance modifications outlined in De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Modification Bulletin No. 6/1104. The directive requires adherence before 1 September 1968, ensuring that all relevant aircraft meet the specified airworthiness standards. The regulation extends to all operators of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes within Australia, governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which has jurisdiction over the enforcement and compliance of these airworthiness directives. This regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, implying that all applicable aircraft must comply with the outlined modifications to ensure safety and operational standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, specifically Section 39-105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes. Within this section, AD/DHC-6/12 pertains to the aileron mass balance modification. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 1 to 115. The directive references De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Mod. Bulletin No. 6/1104, which must be complied with prior to 1 September 1968. Under this legislation, the primary obligation is to ensure that all specified DHC-6 Twin Otter aeroplanes undergo the aileron mass balance modification as outlined in the referenced bulletin. This modification is critical to maintaining the aircraft’s airworthiness and safety standards. Operators of these aircraft must adhere to the timelines and technical specifications provided in the bulletin to ensure compliance. The aim is to prevent potential issues related to aileron performance, which could compromise flight safety. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/DHC-6/12 may result in serious legal and safety consequences. The legislation stipulates that non-compliance can be considered a breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Such breaches may lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which could include fines, penalties, or even the grounding of the non-compliant aircraft. The exact penalties are determined based on the severity of the breach and may include substantial financial penalties, as outlined in other sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The consequences for breaching these regulations can be severe, impacting both the operator and the overall safety of the aviation industry. For instance, significant fines can be imposed, and in extreme cases, CASA has the authority to suspend or revoke the aircraft's airworthiness certificate. This could result in the aircraft being grounded until the required modifications are completed and verified. It is crucial for operators to take these directives seriously and ensure strict adherence to the specified deadlines and technical requirements to avoid these adverse outcomes.