AD/DHC-8/13 - Landing Gear Control System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a crucial part of the legal framework governing aviation safety in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 addresses Airworthiness Directives, which are mandatory safety measures for specific aircraft types to ensure they meet safety standards. The legislative instrument F2006B09168 pertains to Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes and focuses on the landing gear control system. This directive, known as AD/DHC-8/13, was introduced to address the issue of erroneous nose gear position indications in DHC-8-100 series aircraft equipped with certain Eldee Proximity Switch electronic Control Units. The policy objective is to mandate compliance with de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-32-70 revision B or later to prevent such errors, ensuring the safe operation of the affected aircraft. The enactment of this regulation by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 aims to maintain and enhance aviation safety by providing clear, mandatory directives for aircraft operators. Compliance with AD/DHC-8/13 is necessary to preclude the risk of erroneous nose gear position indications, which could potentially compromise the safety of the aircraft. The requirement for operators to notify the Authority of compliance allows for the enforcement of safety standards and ensures that revised operating procedures are correctly implemented.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as outlined in PART 39 - 105 of the Australian legislative instrument F2006B09168, pertains specifically to the applicability of Airworthiness Directives for Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 series aeroplanes, focusing on the landing gear control system. This regulation is applicable to all DHC-8-100 series aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 3 to 119, which have incorporated modification No 8/0467 and are equipped with Eldee Proximity Switch electronic Control Units (PSEU) bearing part numbers 8-410-03, 8-410-04, or 8-410-05. The directive mandates compliance with de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-32-70 revision B or any subsequent revisions, with the requirement that any compliance notifications must be submitted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to allow for the removal of the revised operating procedures introduced by the Flight Manual ‘P’ amendment. This directive is crucial to prevent the occurrence of erroneous nose gear position indications, and compliance must be achieved prior to 17 August 1990. The application of this legislation is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, affecting entities and individuals operating within the Australian jurisdiction, particularly those involved in civil aviation and the maintenance of specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, specifically Regulation 39 - 105 (AD/DHC-8/13), require all DHC-8-100 series aircraft serial numbers 3 through 119, which have modification No 8/0467 incorporated and are equipped with specific Eldee Proximity Switch electronic Control Unit parts, to adhere to the de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-32-70 revision B or any subsequent revisions. The directive focuses on ensuring the aircraft's landing gear control system operates correctly to avoid erroneous nose gear position indications. The action to be taken must comply with the specified service bulletin, and any changes in the operating procedures as introduced by the Flight Manual ‘P’ amendment must be communicated to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by this legislation. Firstly, operators of the specified DHC-8-100 series aircraft must ensure that their aircraft meet the modification and equipment criteria outlined in the regulation. They must then undertake the necessary actions as per the de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-32-70 revision B or any later revisions. Additionally, operators are required to notify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of their compliance with this directive to allow for the removal of the revised operating procedures as introduced by the Flight Manual ‘P’ amendment. Failure to comply with the requirements of this legislation may lead to serious consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance are not detailed within the text provided, it is important to note that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to enforce the regulations. Non-compliance could potentially result in enforcement actions, fines, operational restrictions, or other regulatory measures as deemed necessary by the authority to ensure aviation safety. The specific penalties would be determined in accordance with the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations.