AD/DHC-6/66 - Stabiliser Attachment Fittings

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to regulate the safety and operational standards of civil aviation within the country. One such regulation, found in PART 39 - 105, pertains specifically to Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft types. This legislative instrument aims to address safety concerns and ensure compliance with international standards by referencing and incorporating foreign airworthiness directives. For instance, AD/DHC-6/66 addresses issues with stabiliser attachment fittings in DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes, aligning with Transport Canada's AD CF-92-04 to rectify problems such as loose horizontal stabilizer fittings that have been reported on several aircraft. This ensures the safety and reliability of Australian registered aircraft by adopting measures previously identified and rectified by other jurisdictions. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives that apply to aircraft registered in Australia, ensuring compliance with international safety standards. For the DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes, AD/DHC-6/66 mandates specific action concerning stabiliser attachment fittings, applicable to models with serial numbers ranging from 3 to 820. This directive aligns with the technical requirements outlined in Transport Canada AD CF-92-04 and references de Havilland Service Bulletins 6/438 Rev.D and 6/513, reflecting an effective date of 21 May 1992 for Australian-registered aircraft. The directive addresses reported issues of loose horizontal stabilizer forward and aft attachment fittings, superseding previous directives AD CF-83-21 (AD/DHC-6/53) and AD CF-85-10 (AD/DHC-6/59). Compliance necessitates adherence to the specified requirements, ensuring the aircraft meet necessary safety standards.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, detail the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. Section (6/92) of the AD/DHC-6/66 mandates that for model DHC-6 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 3 to 820, the action must be in accordance with the technical requirements of Transport Canada AD CF-92-04. This involves ensuring the stabiliser attachment fittings are secure, as referenced in de Havilland SB 6/438 Rev.D and SB 6/513. Compliance with this directive requires adherence to the Requirement Document, with a revised effective date of 21 May 1992 for Australian registered aircraft. The directive aims to address the issue of loose horizontal stabilizer forward and aft attachment fittings that have been reported on several aircraft. The obligations imposed on the parties or entities governed by this legislation are clear and specific. Owners and operators of DHC-6 series aeroplanes with the relevant serial numbers must ensure that the stabiliser attachment fittings are inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary to meet the standards set by Transport Canada AD CF-92-04. This involves following the guidance provided in de Havilland SB 6/438 Rev.D and SB 6/513. The compliance date for Australian registered aircraft is set as 21 May 1992, meaning that any required actions must be completed by this date to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed non-compliant and potentially grounded. Any breaches of the requirements set out in this legislative instrument can result in significant consequences. While specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed within the text of the legislation itself, breaches of airworthiness directives generally carry severe penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. These can include substantial fines, enforcement actions, and potentially criminal charges for serious breaches. The maximum penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be severe, reflecting the critical nature of maintaining aircraft safety. It is therefore imperative for operators and owners to ensure strict adherence to the requirements outlined in this directive to avoid any potential legal repercussions.