AD/DHC-6/41 - Wing Tip Bonding - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through legislative instrument F2006B09130, address the problem of ensuring the continued airworthiness of specific models of the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this regulation was introduced to address safety concerns identified with the wing tip bonding of these aircraft, particularly those with serial numbers between 1 and 430 that incorporate wing tip strobe lighting. The policy objective is to mandate modifications to these aircraft to prevent potential structural failure and ensure compliance with international safety standards. The directive references relevant documentation, such as De Havilland Service Bulletin No. 6/318 and Canadian AD CF-76-04, to guide the required modifications, which must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1976.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with this particular entry addressing DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series aeroplanes. The directive AD/DHC-6/41 concerns wing tip bonding modifications and applies to all models with serial numbers from 1 to 430 that incorporate wing tip strobe lighting. The directive mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 30 June 1976, as referenced in De Havilland Service Bulletin No. 6/318 and Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-76-04. This regulation is applicable on a national level across Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure that the specified aircraft meet the required safety standards. The scope of the directive is precise and does not extend beyond the specified models and serial numbers, nor does it explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the outlined compliance timeframe. The authority to implement and enforce this directive is vested in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with potential extensions or restrictions through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) for the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes, with a focus on AD/DHC-6/41, which pertains to the modification of wing tip bonding. This directive applies to all DHC-6 models with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 1 to 430 that incorporate wing tip strobe lighting (Section 5/76). The directive references two documents for compliance: De Havilland Service Bulletin No. 6/318 and Canadian AD CF-76-04. The primary requirement of this directive is that the modification to the wing tip bonding must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 30 June 1976. This means that operators of the specified DHC-6 models must ensure that the relevant modifications to the aircraft's wing tips are carried out within this time frame. Compliance with this directive is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness of these aircraft, ensuring safety standards are upheld, and preventing potential hazards that may arise from inadequate bonding at the wing tips. Operators of the DHC-6 aircraft must adhere to the outlined compliance requirements. This includes ensuring that the modifications are performed by qualified personnel in accordance with the instructions provided in the referenced documents, De Havilland SB No. 6/318 and Canadian AD CF-76-04. These documents provide detailed guidance on the specific modifications that need to be carried out, including any necessary inspections, repairs, or replacements. Operators are responsible for verifying that the modifications are completed correctly and that the aircraft meets the necessary safety standards before returning it to service. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/DHC-6/41 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Potential penalties for breaching these regulations can include fines and other sanctions. The severity of the penalty can depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resultant safety risks. Operators must take these obligations seriously to avoid legal repercussions and ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.