AD/DHC-6/43 Amdt 1 - Elevator Housing Assembly Lower Mounting Structure

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B09132, addresses the safety concerns related to the ageing aircraft program by introducing specific requirements for the maintenance of the elevator housing assembly lower mounting structure of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the regulation was introduced to ensure compliance with international safety standards, specifically aligning with the Technical Requirements of Transport Canada AD CF-77-05 R1. This amendment was introduced to mitigate critical service problems by mandating terminating actions rather than repetitive inspections, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the specified aircraft models. The regulation applies to DHC-6 aircraft with serial numbers 2 through 494, 497 through 503, 505, and 507, and requires adherence to the detailed compliance specified in the requirement document and De Havilland SB 6/348.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations, specifically under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, apply to the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes with certain serial numbers, namely those ranging from 2 through 494, 497 through 503, 505, and 507. These regulations are integral to ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft, which is fundamental for safety in air travel. The scope of this particular Airworthiness Directive, AD/DHC-6/43 Amendment 1, pertains to the elevator housing assembly lower mounting structure and mandates adherence to the technical requirements outlined by Transport Canada AD CF-77-05 R1. The directive is designed to address critical service problems through terminating actions instead of repetitive inspections, reflecting an international approach to managing the ageing aircraft program as highlighted by Transport Canada's initiative. Compliance with this directive is essential and must be strictly followed as specified in the associated Requirement Document, with reference to De Havilland Service Bulletin 6/348 for further guidance. This regulation is part of the broader Australian aviation regulatory framework, ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the necessary safety standards within the Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, detail the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which include the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes AD/DHC-6/43 Amendment 1. This particular directive (AD) pertains to the Elevator Housing Assembly Lower Mounting Structure (section 9/91). The AD applies to DHC-6 models with specific serial numbers, namely those ranging from 2 through 494, 497 through 503, 505, and 507. The directive requires operators of these aircraft to take action in accordance with the Technical Requirements outlined by Transport Canada's AD CF-77-05 R1. This requirement is intended to address known critical service problems, moving away from repetitive inspections towards terminating action, which is a key aspect of Transport Canada's ageing aircraft program. Compliance with these directives is expected to be documented as specified in the Requirement Document, which is referenced in the directive. Operators and owners of the affected DHC-6 aircraft must ensure that the necessary actions are taken as per the Technical Requirements of Transport Canada AD CF-77-05 R1. This includes verifying that the Elevator Housing Assembly Lower Mounting Structure is addressed in a manner consistent with the outlined technical requirements. Additionally, any references to De Havilland Service Bulletin 6/348 must be considered to ensure full compliance. These obligations extend to ensuring that all modifications and inspections are completed by appropriately qualified personnel and that records of such actions are maintained for regulatory oversight and future reference. Operators must also ensure that their maintenance programs are updated to reflect these requirements and that all personnel involved in the maintenance and operation of the aircraft are adequately informed and trained on the new procedures. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance with CASA's directives. Specifically, the maximum penalties for breaches can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties may vary depending on the nature and severity of the breach, but the regulations are clear that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can have significant civil and potentially criminal repercussions. Operators found in breach of these requirements risk not only financial penalties but also potential grounding of their aircraft, which could severely impact their operations. Therefore, it is imperative that all parties governed by this directive take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance.