AD/DHC-6/26 - Nose Landing Gear Fork Lock Pin - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules governing the safety and operation of civil aviation within Australian airspace. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B09113, pertains to Airworthiness Directives for specific aircraft models, including the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes. This instrument addresses the need to ensure the continuing airworthiness of these aircraft by mandating specific inspections and maintenance actions. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting the public and ensuring the integrity of the national airspace. The Airworthiness Directive AD/DHC-6/26 specifically concerns the inspection of the nose landing gear fork lock pins on all DHC-6 models. This directive was introduced to address potential safety issues related to the fork lock pin, which could compromise the structural integrity of the nose landing gear. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1971, as detailed in De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/40. By enforcing such measures, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to mitigate risks and ensure the continued safe operation of these aircraft within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, apply to all DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes, mandating the inspection of the nose landing gear fork lock pin. This applies to all models of the aircraft, ensuring that the inspection is conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1971, as detailed in the de Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/40. The regulation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and has a national jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, affecting operators, manufacturers, and maintenance providers of the specified aircraft. There are no exclusions or exemptions outlined in this particular directive, meaning all applicable aircraft must comply with the stipulated timeframe and inspection requirements. The regulations may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as deemed necessary by the authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, governs the safety standards for aircraft operating in Australia. Specifically, AD/DHC-6/26 pertains to the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter series aeroplanes, focusing on the nose landing gear fork lock pin inspection. According to Section 105.210(1), this directive applies to all models of the DHC-6 series, and it mandates that compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1971. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, the obligations imposed by AD/DHC-6/26 require operators of DHC-6 series aeroplanes to inspect the nose landing gear fork lock pin as specified in De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/40. This inspection is mandatory to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators must ensure that the inspection is carried out by qualified personnel and that any identified issues are rectified before the aircraft returns to service. Failure to comply with AD/DHC-6/26 can result in significant consequences. Section 105.215 of the Civil Aviation Regulations states that non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to civil penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening this directive may include fines or other sanctions as prescribed by the regulations. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with the directive may result in the aircraft being grounded until the required inspection and any necessary repairs are completed. Such actions not only risk financial penalties but also threaten the safety of passengers and crew, potentially leading to criminal charges if the breach results in serious harm or death.