AD/DHC-6/9 - Left and Right Hand Elevators Upper Skin - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, address the need for stringent safety standards in the aviation industry. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft through a series of safety directives. One such directive, AD/DHC-6/9, pertains specifically to DHC-6 (Twin Otter) Series Aeroplanes, mandating modifications to the left and right hand elevators' upper skin to enhance safety. This directive applies to all models with serial numbers 1 to 81, with compliance required before 1 April 1968, as outlined in De Havilland of Canada Modification Bulletin 6/1142. The overarching policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards within the civil aviation sector, thereby protecting the public and ensuring the reliability of air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directives. This regulation applies to all DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 81. The directive mandates compliance with De Havilland of Canada Modification Bulletin 6/1142, which pertains to the modification of the left and right hand elevators' upper skin. This requirement must be met prior to 1 April 1968, ensuring that the structural integrity and safety standards of these specific aircraft models are upheld. The legislation is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, with no stated exclusions or exemptions for the specified models within the given serial number range. The regulation can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, ensuring that safety directives are continuously updated to align with technological advancements and safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 (AD/DHC-6/9), specifically address the airworthiness directives for DHC-6 (Twin Otter) series aeroplanes. The regulations focus on modifications to the left and right-hand elevators' upper skin. According to section (1), these directives apply to all models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 81. Compliance with the modifications outlined in De Havilland of Canada Modification Bulletin 6/1142 must be achieved before 1 April 1968, as specified in section (2). This ensures that any DHC-6 Twin Otter aeroplanes within the specified serial number range adhere to the necessary safety standards. Under these regulations, the primary obligations for the owners and operators of affected DHC-6 Twin Otter aeroplanes include ensuring that the left and right-hand elevators' upper skin modifications are completed in accordance with the specifications provided in De Havilland of Canada Modification Bulletin 6/1142. This requirement is intended to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure compliance with civil aviation safety standards. Failure to adhere to these directives may result in the aeroplane being deemed non-compliant and, consequently, not legally permitted to fly until the necessary modifications are made. Breaching the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 can result in significant consequences. Specifically, non-compliance with the airworthiness directives for the DHC-6 Twin Otter aeroplanes may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions can include fines, penalties, or even the grounding of the non-compliant aircraft. The severity of the penalties is determined by the nature and extent of the non-compliance, with potential maximum penalties applicable as per the Civil Aviation Act 1988. It is crucial for operators and owners to ensure strict adherence to these regulations to avoid such repercussions.