AD/DHC-6/38 - Horizontal Stabiliser Rear Spar - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One of the specific amendments to these regulations is found in Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislation was introduced to address the need for specific safety measures and standards in the operation of civil aircraft, aiming to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with safety protocols. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain a high standard of airworthiness and safety across all civil aviation activities in Australia. This legislative instrument, F2006B09126, focuses on the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes and mandates a specific inspection requirement for the horizontal stabiliser rear spar. The directive, AD/DHC-6/38, applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 393, with certain exclusions. The compliance period necessitates inspections within 100 hours of time in service following 31 August 1974, as outlined in De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/310. This directive is a part of the broader regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the ongoing safety and airworthiness of civil aircraft in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, applies to all DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, excluding those explicitly listed. This regulation mandates that certain models undergo a thorough inspection of the horizontal stabiliser rear spar within 100 hours of time in service following 31 August 1974. The directive is underpinned by De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/310, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to maintain their airworthiness. The scope of this legislation is targeted at ensuring the structural integrity of these aircraft, which is critical for the safety of air travel. The regulation is enforceable across the Commonwealth, affecting operators and maintainers of the affected aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions stated in the directive, implying that compliance is mandatory for the specified models within the outlined timeframe.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, Section 105, provide specific directives for the airworthiness of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes, with a notable focus on the horizontal stabiliser rear spar inspection as detailed in AD/DHC-6/38 (Section 7/74). This directive applies to all models with specific serial numbers, excluding a subset of aircraft (Section 7/74 Applicability). The inspection requirement is derived from the De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/310, which serves as the foundational document for compliance with this airworthiness directive (Section Document). The compliance timeline stipulates that the inspection must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1974, ensuring that the specified aircraft are maintained to the required safety standards (Section Compliance). The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties or entities it governs are significant. Owners and operators of the affected DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft must ensure that the inspection of the horizontal stabiliser rear spar is performed according to the stipulated timeline. This involves adhering to the procedures outlined in the De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/310, which likely includes detailed steps for the inspection process, including the identification of any defects or damage to the rear spar. Furthermore, these entities must maintain accurate records of the inspection, including the date it was performed and the findings, to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives as outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in serious legal consequences. Under the Act, non-compliance may be considered an offence, potentially leading to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The penalties for breaching these regulations can include substantial fines and, in more severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary inspections are completed and compliance is achieved. The maximum penalties, while not explicitly stated in the provided text, are typically outlined in broader sections of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and could encompass both civil and criminal liabilities depending on the severity and intent of the breach.