AD/DHC-8/12 Amdt 1 - Emergency Lighting

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This particular legislation targets the Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 series aeroplanes, with Airworthiness Directive AD/DHC-8/12 Amendment 1 focusing on the emergency lighting requirements. This directive was introduced to address the issue that certain DHC-8 series aircraft did not comply with the emergency lighting standards stipulated in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 25.812. The objective of this amendment is to mandate compliance with Boeing Canada de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-33-17 Revision B or any later revisions, aligning with the directives issued by Transport Canada under AD CF-90-08. The enforcement of this directive ensures that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby reducing potential risks during emergency situations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, targeting Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 series aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all DHC-8 series aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 through 179. It mandates adherence to Boeing Canada de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-33-17 Revision B or any subsequent revisions. Notably, the Transport Canada Advisory Circular CF-90-08 is referenced in this context. The regulation is intended to ensure compliance with the emergency lighting requirements outlined in FAR 25.812. Initially, the directive was effective from 17 May 1991, with a revision taking effect on 5 September 1991, primarily to rectify a typographical error in the referenced Requirement Document number. This regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and extends to ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the required safety standards for emergency lighting systems.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically Amendment 1 to Airworthiness Directive DHC-8/12, pertain to the emergency lighting requirements for Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes. Section 1 identifies the applicable aircraft, which are all DHC-8 series aircraft with serial numbers from 1 to 179. Section 2 mandates that operators must take corrective action in accordance with Boeing Canada de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-33-17 Revision B or any subsequent revisions. This is noted to correlate with Transport Canada Advisory Circular CF-90-08. The directive originally had a compliance date of 17 May 1991, but this revision became effective from 5 September 1991. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are primarily centred around ensuring compliance with the emergency lighting requirements for the specified aircraft. Operators must ensure that their aircraft meet the standards set forth by the relevant service bulletins and advisories. This involves implementing the necessary modifications or actions as outlined in Boeing Canada de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-33-17 Revision B or any later revisions. The directive necessitates that the compliance measures are executed within the prescribed timelines to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensure adherence to safety standards. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly detail specific penalties for non-compliance with this particular directive within the provided text. However, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally could result in severe civil or criminal consequences. These might include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and potential criminal charges against responsible individuals. The severity of penalties can vary, but they are intended to enforce strict adherence to aviation safety standards to protect public safety and aviation integrity.