AD/DHC-6/18 Amdt 1 - Rudder and Elevator Pulley Bracket Assembly Stn 106 - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically amended under PART 39 - 105 by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, address the issue of maintaining airworthiness standards for aircraft, particularly focusing on the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. This piece of legislation was enacted to ensure that the safety of civil aviation is upheld by mandating regular inspections and maintenance of critical components such as the rudder and elevator pulley bracket assembly. The objective of this regulatory amendment, AD/DHC-6/18 Amendment 1, is to prevent potential structural failures by requiring a visual inspection of the elevator rudder pulley bracket assembly at a specific fuselage station for any signs of cracking or deformation. This directive is intended to be complied with immediately and then at intervals not exceeding 25 Total Elapsed Time (TIS) after the effective date of 1 September 1971. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enacting body, aims to enhance safety and reliability in civil aviation through such detailed and specific maintenance requirements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes, except those models incorporating Modification No. 6/1262. This regulation sets forth a requirement for a visual inspection of the elevator rudder pulley bracket assembly at Fuselage Station 106, with particular attention to the forward flange of the top and bottom beams outboard of the outboard lightening holes for any signs of cracking or deformation. Compliance with this directive is mandated immediately and then at intervals not exceeding 25 Total Indication Hours after the specified date of 1 September 1971. The regulation is administered under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the stipulated safety standards are uniformly applied across the national airspace. The application of this regulation is not limited to specific industries or entities, but rather encompasses all operators of the specified aircraft models within Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, detail various safety requirements for aircraft, with Section 39-105 focusing on airworthiness directives. The legislative instrument F2006B09105 pertains to the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes and outlines specific maintenance procedures. This section mandates a particular inspection for the rudder and elevator pulley bracket assembly at Fuselage Station 106 (Section 6/69). This inspection is crucial for all models except those incorporating Modification No. 6/1262. The requirement is to visually inspect the pulley bracket assembly for any signs of cracking or deformation, especially focusing on the forward flange of the top and bottom beams outboard of the lightening holes (Section 6/69). Compliance with these directives is essential and must be performed immediately and then at intervals not exceeding 25 Total Intervals Since New (TIS) after 1 September 1971. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 under Section 39-105 necessitate that operators of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes conduct the specified inspection of the rudder and elevator pulley bracket assembly. This requirement is not just a one-off check but mandates ongoing inspections at regular intervals. Operators must ensure that inspections are performed meticulously, with particular attention to the structural integrity of the forward flange of the top and bottom beams, to avoid any potential safety hazards. This ongoing diligence is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring it complies with safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Section 39-105, can result in serious consequences. The legislation does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance; however, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant safety risks, potentially resulting in severe penalties if an incident occurs. These penalties may include fines, suspension of the aircraft's operating certificate, or other regulatory actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The overarching goal of these regulations is to ensure the highest standards of safety in civil aviation, and non-compliance can thus lead to severe civil or criminal repercussions depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety.