Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), encompass a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of aviation operations in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 within the Civil Aviation Regulations addresses the airworthiness directives for various aircraft types, including the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes. The legislative instrument F2006B09143 targets the issue of potential fuel leaks at the positive electrical terminal of the fuel boost pumps on DHC-6 models equipped with the Airborne fuel boost pump model 1D2-17. The policy objective of this directive is to enhance aviation safety by mandating regular inspections and modifications of these fuel boost pumps to mitigate the risk of fuel leaks, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness of affected aircraft. Compliance with this directive is imperative to maintain the integrity of the aircraft's fuel system and to prevent any operational hazards stemming from fuel leaks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes equipped with Airborne fuel boost pump model 1D2-17, mandating compliance with Airworthiness Directives concerning these fuel boost pumps. The directive requires an initial inspection of the fuel boost pumps before any further flight after 31 January 1984, followed by daily inspections as detailed in Airborne SL No. 26, unless the modification outlined in Para 3 of Airborne SL No. 26 is implemented. Additionally, the regulation mandates the replacement of the pumps as specified in Para 1 subpara (D) of Airborne SL No. 26, also before any flight after 31 January 1984. This inspection and replacement requirement is applicable nationally, encompassing all operators and aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction. While the inspection can be performed by the pilot in command for aircraft maintained in accordance with ANO 100.5.1, certification is typically required unless performed by a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes in AD/DHC-6/55. This legislation mandates inspection, replacement, and modification of fuel boost pumps to mitigate the risk of fuel leaks. Section (1) of the legislation requires an initial inspection of the fuel boost pumps, as detailed in Airborne Service Letter No. 26, to be performed before further flight after 31 January 1984. This inspection includes verifying the integrity of the pumps at the positive electrical terminal. If the aircraft is maintained under Australian National Standards Part 100 (ANO 100.5.1), the pilot in command can conduct this inspection without requiring certification, although certification may be performed by a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. The obligations imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulations require that the initial inspection be conducted before any further flight after the specified date, with subsequent daily inspections until the modification is completed. This requirement applies to all DHC-6 models equipped with the specified Airborne fuel boost pump model 1D2-17. Additionally, the regulation mandates that any pumps exhibiting signs of potential leaks, as per Airborne Service Letter No. 26, must be replaced before further flight. These inspections and modifications are critical to ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, and failure to comply can result in severe consequences. The legislation also stipulates that if the aircraft is maintained under other conditions not covered by ANO 100.5.1, the inspection must be certified by a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. This certification process ensures that the inspection and any subsequent actions are conducted to the required safety standards. Furthermore, any required modifications must be completed as specified in Airborne Service Letter No. 26 to ensure that the fuel boost pumps are no longer susceptible to leaks. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations can result in significant legal consequences. The regulations establish specific offences and penalties for non-compliance, which may include both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and other financial penalties, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment, depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. The maximum penalties are determined by the specific regulatory provisions and the nature of the violation, but they are designed to enforce compliance and maintain the high safety standards required in civil aviation.