AD/DHC-8/22 Amdt 1 - Bulkhead Smoke Seal

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, includes Airworthiness Directives such as AD/DHC-8/22 Amendment 1, which addresses the issue of the installation of close out block seals on Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to rectify a safety concern identified in certain DHC-8 series 100A aircraft, where the absence of close out block seals on the cabin/baggage compartment bulkhead could lead to a direct smoke path between the compartments, potentially compromising the safety of passengers and crew. The requirement outlined in this directive mandates the installation of these seals as per de Havilland SB 8-25-80 Rev A, ensuring compliance by a specified date unless the work has already been completed under previous regulations. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, a body established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, with the policy objective of maintaining and enhancing aviation safety through regulatory oversight and enforcement of airworthiness standards. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. The specific Airworthiness Directive AD/DHC-8/22 Amendment 1 aims to address a gap in safety protocols by mandating the installation of close out block seals in certain DHC-8 series 100A aircraft to prevent smoke from the baggage compartment from entering the cabin. This legislative measure was introduced to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards, thus protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of civil aviation operations. The directive reflects a commitment to continuous improvement in aviation safety, aligning with the overarching policy objectives of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to safeguard lives and property in the skies.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives pertains to the DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 series 100A aircraft with serial numbers 191 and 225 through 307. This legislation applies directly to these aircraft models and mandates the installation of close out block seals on the cabin/baggage compartment bulkhead in accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-25-80 Revision A. The directive aims to address a manufacturing oversight where some aircraft were produced without these crucial seals, thereby eliminating a direct smoke path between the baggage compartment and the cabin. Compliance with this directive is imperative unless the installation has already been performed in line with the previous issue of the Requirement Document, with a mandatory completion date set for 11 March 1994. This legislation operates within the national jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by CASA, ensuring adherence to safety standards for civil aviation. The regulation extends its application based on specific aircraft serial numbers, underscoring its targeted approach to rectify identified safety issues.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes, which is AD/DHC-8/22 Amendment 1, concerning the Bulkhead Smoke Seal (Section 12/93). This directive applies to Model DHC-8 series 100A aircraft with serial numbers 191 and 225 through 307. It mandates the installation of close out block seals in accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin (SB) 8-25-80 Revision A (Section 12/93). A reference is made to Transport Canada's Airworthiness Directive CF-92-16. Entities governed by this AD must ensure compliance with the directive. Specifically, they must install the close out block seals unless they have already been installed in accordance with a previous issue of the Requirement Document, and they must complete this installation prior to 11 March 1994 (Section 12/93). The background provided indicates that during the introduction of certain improvements by the manufacturer, the close out block seals on the cabin/baggage compartment bulkhead were omitted on some aircraft. The absence of these block seals results in a direct smoke path between the baggage compartment and the cabin, which poses a safety risk. Failure to comply with the AD/DHC-8/22 Amendment 1 could result in serious safety hazards, as the absence of the close out block seals could lead to the direct passage of smoke from the baggage compartment to the cabin, potentially endangering passengers and crew. While the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state the penalties for non-compliance in this instance, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 could apply. Such penalties might include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, and potentially criminal charges for serious breaches that endanger safety. The severity of the penalty would depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance and its impact on aviation safety.