COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-6/32 Fuel Vent System - Modification 11/71
Applicability: All models with S/Nos. 6 to 310.
Document: De Havilland of Canada SB 6/211, Revision A. Compliance: Before 30 June 1972.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form the principal legislation governing civil aviation safety in Australia. One particular legislative instrument under this Act, identified as F2006B09120, pertains to the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes. This instrument was introduced to address safety issues associated with the fuel vent system in certain models of the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. Specifically, it targets models with serial numbers between 6 and 310, mandating modifications to the fuel vent system in compliance with De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin 6/211, Revision A, by a specified deadline of 30 June 1972. The policy objective behind this legislation is to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft by mitigating risks related to the fuel vent system, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates compliance with airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for ensuring the safety of aircraft operations. Under this legislation, the Airworthiness Directive AD/DHC-6/32 pertains to the modification of the fuel vent system for DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 6 to 310, necessitating that modifications to the fuel vent system be carried out in accordance with De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin 6/211, Revision A, before 30 June 1972. The scope of the legislation is limited to these specific aircraft models and does not extend to other types of aircraft or industries. The directive is applicable nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia, imposing a clear requirement for compliance to maintain airworthiness standards. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the stipulated modifications. Subordinate instruments may further detail implementation procedures or address specific operational scenarios, thereby extending or refining the directive’s application.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandates modifications to the fuel vent system of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series aeroplanes. Section 11/71 of the document states that all models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 6 to 310 must comply with the modifications outlined in De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin (SB) 6/211, Revision A, before 30 June 1972. This directive aims to ensure that the fuel vent system is modified to prevent potential fuel-related issues that could compromise flight safety.
Entities and operators of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series aeroplanes within the specified serial number range are obligated to adhere to the modifications outlined in the service bulletin. This includes conducting a thorough inspection of the fuel vent system and implementing the required modifications as per the specified timeline. The operators must ensure that the modifications are performed by qualified personnel and that all work is completed and documented in accordance with CASA's requirements. Additionally, operators must keep records of the modifications performed and the date of compliance for audit and regulatory purposes.
Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive and implement the required modifications to the fuel vent system within the specified timeframe can result in serious consequences. The regulations do not explicitly state the penalties or consequences for non-compliance; however, general provisions within the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 may apply. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, suspension of the aircraft's operating certificate, or other regulatory penalties. Operators found in breach of these regulations may also face civil liability for any incidents or accidents that arise from non-compliance with the airworthiness directive.