AD/DHC-6/44 - Lower Wing Skin to Spar Rivets - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. These regulations, particularly Part 39, address the need for comprehensive airworthiness directives to maintain the highest standards of aircraft safety. One such directive, AD/DHC-6/44, targets the inspection of lower wing skin to spar rivets on DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers 1 to 230 inclusive. This directive aims to ensure that these critical components are regularly inspected and maintained, thereby mitigating potential risks to flight safety. The policy objective of this regulation is to enforce compliance with the specified inspection timeline, which is within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977, as outlined in De Havilland of Canada SB No. 6/351. This ensures that all relevant aircraft meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, mandates airworthiness directives that are critical for ensuring the safety of aircraft operations within Australia. One such directive, AD/DHC-6/44, pertains to the inspection of lower wing skin to spar rivets on DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 230 inclusive. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977. The directive references De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/351 for the necessary inspection protocols. The legislation applies to all operators of these specific aircraft models within Australian jurisdiction, underscoring the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards. While the primary scope is to enhance safety, there are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds explicitly stated in this directive, indicating a broad application across the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument are found in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 (section 39.01) and the Airworthiness Directive (AD) DHC-6/44 (section 11/76). Section 39.01 of the Regulations provides the overarching legal framework for airworthiness and safety standards for civil aviation in Australia, while AD DHC-6/44 details specific safety requirements for DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. Section 11/76 of this directive mandates an inspection of the lower wing skin to spar rivets within 100 hours of time in service after 31 January 1977, for all models with serial numbers 1 to 230 inclusive. This inspection is to be carried out in accordance with De Havilland of Canada Service Bulletin No. 6/351. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation on the parties and entities it governs are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of the aircraft. Operators of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified inspection is conducted within the stipulated timeframe. This involves having appropriately trained personnel and using the specified service bulletin as a guide for the inspection process. The responsibility lies with the aircraft operator to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft, which includes adhering to the detailed requirements of the Airworthiness Directive. Non-compliance with these directives could result in serious safety risks and potential legal repercussions. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and the specific Airworthiness Directive DHC-6/44 can lead to significant civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the power to take enforcement actions against non-compliant aircraft operators. This can include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, and other regulatory actions. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, there are specific provisions for offences related to breaches of airworthiness directives. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Additionally, non-compliance can result in civil liability for damages resulting from accidents or incidents caused by failure to adhere to the safety requirements. Therefore, it is crucial for all parties involved in the operation of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes to strictly follow the outlined directives to avoid these serious consequences.