COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes
AD/DHC-8/18 Elevator Control Quadrant Lever 4/92
Applicability: Model DHC-8 series 100 with serial number 1 through 126 inclusive. Requirement: In accordance with Boeing Canada de Havilland Division SB A8-27-45 Rev A.
Note: Transport Canada AD CF-88-25 refers.
Compliance: Unless already accomplished; within 50 hours time in service after 2 April 1992. Background: An elevator control quadrant lever was found to be incorrectly installed on a Dash 8.
The incorrect installation caused permanent deformation of the associated push rod.
If not corrected, this condition could result in loss of associated elevator control.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, are a comprehensive set of rules and directives designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within the country. One such directive is detailed in PART 39 - 105, specifically concerning Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes. This directive, known as AD/DHC-8/18, addresses the critical issue of the elevator control quadrant lever being incorrectly installed on certain models of the DHC-8 series, particularly those with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 126. The problem identified was that such incorrect installation could lead to permanent deformation of the associated push rod, potentially resulting in a loss of elevator control, which poses a significant safety risk. The directive aims to mandate compliance with Boeing Canada de Havilland Division SB A8-27-45 Rev A, requiring corrective action within 50 hours of the aircraft being in service after 2 April 1992, unless already accomplished. This regulation aligns with the overarching policy objective of the Civil Aviation Regulations to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/DHC-8/18, pertains to Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes, more precisely, model DHC-8 series 100 with serial numbers 1 through 126 inclusive. This legislation is applicable to the entities that operate these specific aircraft, ensuring that they adhere to the safety standards and requirements outlined by CASA to mitigate any potential risks associated with the incorrect installation of the elevator control quadrant lever. This directive aims to prevent the permanent deformation of the associated push rod, which, if unaddressed, could result in the loss of elevator control. The directive mandates compliance with Boeing Canada de Havilland Division Service Bulletin A8-27-45 Revision A and references Transport Canada AD CF-88-25. Operators must ensure that the specified corrective actions are implemented within 50 hours of time in service after 2 April 1992, unless already accomplished. The geographic reach of this directive is national, applying across Australia, and extends to any aircraft within the specified model and serial number range operating within the country's airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which mandates certain maintenance and operational requirements for various aircraft types. In this context, Airworthiness Directive (AD) DHC-8/18 pertains to the Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 series aeroplanes, specifically those with the serial numbers 1 through 126 inclusive. This AD is in response to an identified issue with the elevator control quadrant lever. According to the directive, the requirement is to ensure that the lever is installed correctly, as per Boeing Canada de Havilland Division Service Bulletin A8-27-45 Revision A. This is referenced to Transport Canada's AD CF-88-25 for consistency.
Compliance with this AD is crucial and must be met unless the corrective action has already been implemented. The directive stipulates that any necessary corrective action must be carried out within 50 hours of time in service after 2 April 1992. This means that operators of the affected aircraft must inspect and, if necessary, rectify the installation of the elevator control quadrant lever to avoid any potential safety hazards. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft not being airworthy, which could lead to severe operational and safety issues.
The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties involved, primarily aircraft operators and maintenance personnel, are clear and specific. Operators must ensure that the maintenance actions outlined in the AD are performed within the specified timeframe. This involves conducting thorough inspections of the elevator control quadrant lever installation and making any necessary corrections. Maintenance personnel are responsible for executing these inspections and repairs to the required standard. Additionally, they must maintain accurate records of all actions taken to comply with the AD, as this documentation may be required for regulatory audits and inspections.
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in this AD can result in significant consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed on the aircraft operator, and in severe cases, the aircraft may be grounded until the necessary corrections are made. Additionally, there could be criminal penalties if the non-compliance is found to be deliberate or due to gross negligence. The exact nature and severity of the penalties depend on the circumstances of the breach and the findings of any subsequent investigations or legal proceedings. It is essential for all parties involved to take the requirements of this AD seriously to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.