AD/DHC-8/39 Amdt 1 - Outboard Flaps Front Spar and Top Skin Fasteners

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Legislative instrument F2006B09195, focus on the safety of Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. This legislation was enacted to address specific safety concerns identified in the manufacturing and maintenance of certain DHC-8 models. The problem it targets includes issues such as the use of incorrect rivets during the manufacture of outboard flap assemblies, which can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. The objective of these amendments is to ensure compliance with international safety standards, particularly those set by Transport Canada, and to mandate necessary modifications to affected aircraft to prevent potential safety hazards. The enactment of these regulations by the Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to mitigate risks associated with the identified defects in the DHC-8 series. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of air travel by enforcing rigorous maintenance and modification standards on specified aircraft models, thereby protecting passengers and crew. The specific requirement involves the replacement of incorrect rivets and adjustments to flight manual parameters, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety criteria before continuing operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B09195, apply specifically to certain Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes. This particular legislative amendment pertains to the DHC-8 aircraft models 301, 311, 314, and 315, with a focus on those models 311, 314, and 315 that are equipped with outboard flap assemblies and have not installed Modification 8/2066. The specified part numbers and serial numbers of the affected aircraft are detailed in the accompanying table of the Requirement Document. This legislation is designed to ensure compliance with the technical requirements outlined in Transport Canada AD CF-95-05R1, which mandates specific actions for the maintenance and structural integrity of the outboard flap assemblies. The requirement includes an amendment to the Flight Manual to reflect these changes. The directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate that certain Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes must comply with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The AD/DHC-8/39 Amendment 1 pertains to the outboard flaps front spar and top skin fasteners of DHC-8 aircraft. It applies to Model 301 and to Models 311, 314, and 315 equipped with outboard flap assemblies that do not have Modification 8/2066 installed and are within the specific part numbers and serial numbers outlined in the Requirement Document (Section 1/96). Compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-95-05R1 is required, which includes following technical requirements and implementing a flight manual amendment. The compliance date for these directives is 4 January 1996, as specified in the Requirement Document. The obligations imposed by these regulations are stringent and require the aircraft owners and operators to ensure that any affected DHC-8 aeroplanes meet the outlined specifications. This involves verifying the serial numbers and part numbers of the outboard flap assemblies and ensuring that any necessary modifications, such as replacing incorrect rivets with higher strength ones, are carried out. For Model 301, the flap extended speed, VFE, must be permanently reduced, while Models 311, 314, and 315 must replace the incorrect rivets. Additionally, an amendment to the flight manual must be implemented, ensuring that all flight crew are aware of the changes and can operate the aircraft safely. Failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and the specific Airworthiness Directives can lead to serious consequences. Civil penalties can be imposed for non-compliance, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against the aircraft operator or owner. The maximum penalties for such offences can include substantial fines and, in the most serious cases, imprisonment. These stringent measures are in place to ensure that the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft are maintained, protecting both the crew and passengers.