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-8/41 Stall Warning System Computer 7/95
DM
Applicability: Model DHC-8, series 102, 103 and 106, serial numbers 003 and subsequent with Safe Flight stall warning computers part number (P/N) 3605-4, -5 or -6 installed.
Requirement: 1. Action in accordance with Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division de Havilland Dash 8 Alert Service Bulletin A8-27-73 dated 25 November 1993.
2. Amend the DHC-8 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) in accordance with Temporary Revision No. 20 of the DHC-8 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), ATA Chapter 27, ‘FLIGHT CONTROLS’, Item 27-2, ‘Stall Warning System’ for Series 100 pre-mod 8/2072 aircraft only, as follows:
One stall warning computer may be inoperative for three flight days (Category A), provided the inoperative system is deactivated and the remaining operative system is confirmed operative in the ‘AIRBORNE MODE’ each flight day.
Note: Transport Canada Aviation AD CF-95-06 dated 10 April 1995 refers.
Compliance: 1. Within 50 hours time in service after 18 May 1995, unless already accomplished within the last 400 hours time in service. Thereafter at intervals not to exceed 450 hours time in service.
2. At initial inspection in accordance with this Directive.
Incorporation of de Havilland Modification 8/2072 terminates the requirement for the repetitive test and the amendment to the MEL.
Background: A routine “C” check discovered that the stick shakers did not activate when tested. Investigations have determined that relay contacts within the stall warning computer had become contaminated and no longer provided a sufficient path to ground for shaker operation.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form a comprehensive set of rules governing all aspects of civil aviation within the country, including safety standards and operational requirements. Part 39 of these regulations specifically addresses airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules intended to correct issues that may affect the airworthiness of aircraft. The legislative instrument F2006B09197, pertaining to Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes, was introduced to address specific safety concerns identified in the stall warning system of certain DHC-8 models. The objective of this directive is to ensure the continued safe operation of these aircraft by mandating corrective actions and updates to operational procedures. Compliance with these directives is essential to mitigate risks associated with the identified safety issues, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 series aeroplanes, namely models 102, 103, and 106 with serial numbers 003 and subsequent, which have installed Safe Flight stall warning computers part numbers 3605-4, -5, or -6. This regulation mandates compliance with Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division de Havilland Dash 8 Alert Service Bulletin A8-27-73 dated 25 November 1993, which includes actions such as amending the DHC-8 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) as per Temporary Revision No. 20 of the DHC-8 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), ATA Chapter 27, 'FLIGHT CONTROLS', Item 27-2, 'Stall Warning System'. The regulation requires that one stall warning computer may be inoperative for three flight days, provided the inoperative system is deactivated and the remaining operative system is confirmed operative in the 'AIRBORNE MODE' each flight day. Compliance is required within 50 hours time in service after 18 May 1995, unless already accomplished within the last 400 hours time in service, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 450 hours time in service.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines an Airworthiness Directive (AD) related to the Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes, focusing on the stall warning system computer. This directive, identified as AD/DHC-8/41, applies to DHC-8 models 102, 103, and 106, with serial numbers 003 and subsequent, that have a Safe Flight stall warning computer part number (P/N) 3605-4, -5, or -6 installed (section 1). The main requirement of this directive mandates compliance with Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division de Havilland Dash 8 Alert Service Bulletin A8-27-73 dated 25 November 1993 (section 1.1). Additionally, the directive specifies that the DHC-8 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) must be amended to reflect Temporary Revision No. 20 of the DHC-8 Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), ATA Chapter 27, ‘FLIGHT CONTROLS’, Item 27-2, ‘Stall Warning System’ for Series 100 pre-mod 8/2072 aircraft (section 1.2). This amendment allows for one stall warning computer to be inoperative for three flight days, provided it is deactivated and the remaining system is confirmed operative in ‘AIRBORNE MODE’ each flight day.
The AD imposes specific obligations on the operators of the affected aircraft. Primarily, operators must follow the action outlined in the Bombardier Service Bulletin A8-27-73 and ensure the DHC-8 MEL is updated as per the directive (section 1). Operators must also ensure that compliance with these requirements is achieved within 50 hours time in service after 18 May 1995, unless already completed within the last 400 hours time in service, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 450 hours time in service (section 2.1). Initial inspections in accordance with this directive must also be carried out (section 2.2). The incorporation of de Havilland Modification 8/2072 terminates the requirement for repetitive tests and the MEL amendment.
Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive can result in civil or criminal penalties. The specific consequences are not detailed within the directive, but non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, operational restrictions, or other regulatory sanctions. The maximum penalties for breaches of civil aviation regulations can vary widely, depending on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance, but can include significant financial penalties and potential criminal charges in cases of serious breaches that endanger safety.