AD/DHC-6/29 - Airframe De-Icing System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, address various aspects of civil aviation safety, including the issuance of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models. The regulations, which were introduced to ensure that civil aviation operations in Australia are conducted safely and efficiently, cover numerous facets of aircraft operation, maintenance, and airworthiness. This particular legislative instrument pertains to the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the modification of the airframe de-icing system to enhance safety, specifically for those models incorporating the de-icing system identified by De Havilland of Canada SOO 6004. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure that the de-icing system modifications are implemented on all applicable aircraft before 1 September 1971, in accordance with the specifications outlined in De Havilland of Canada SB 6/275.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, govern the airworthiness directives related to various aircraft types, including the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. These regulations mandate modifications to the airframe de-icing system for Twin Otter aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 289, which incorporate the de-icing system as outlined in De Havilland of Canada SOO 6004. Compliance with this directive is required before 1 September 1971, as per De Havilland of Canada SB 6/275. The regulations apply to all relevant aircraft models within the specified serial number range, ensuring adherence to the prescribed modifications to maintain airworthiness standards. The regulations extend to any person or entity operating these aircraft within Australian airspace, thereby ensuring safety and compliance with civil aviation standards. The application of these directives is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and any failure to comply may result in enforcement actions or penalties.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, address the requirements for airworthiness directives related to aircraft modifications. Section 39 - 105 pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. Here, we focus on AD/DHC-6/29, which concerns modifications to the airframe de-icing system (section 39 - 105.1). The directive applies to all DHC-6 models with serial numbers 1 to 289 that incorporate the specified airframe de-icing system (De Havilland of Canada SOO 6004). Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 1 September 1971, as outlined in the De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin 6/275 (section 39 - 105.2). The obligations imposed by AD/DHC-6/29 require aircraft operators to ensure that the airframe de-icing system on their DHC-6 aircraft is modified as per the specifications detailed in the De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin 6/275. This involves making necessary alterations to the existing de-icing system to ensure it meets the safety standards set by CASA. Operators must complete these modifications before the stipulated compliance date of 1 September 1971 to maintain the airworthiness of their aircraft (section 39 - 105.3). Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to operational restrictions or prohibitions. Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in AD/DHC-6/29 can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is considered an offence (section 39 - 105.4). Operators found in breach of this directive may face penalties, including substantial fines and potential criminal charges. The specific penalties are not detailed within the Civil Aviation Regulations but may include fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations, as stipulated under other relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Act. Furthermore, CASA has the authority to suspend or revoke an aircraft's operating certificate if it is found to be non-compliant with airworthiness directives, which can severely impact the operator's ability to conduct flights (section 39 - 105.5).