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-8/57 Emergency Lights 13/98
Applicability: DHC-8 aeroplanes Model 102, 103, 106, 201, 202, 301, 311, 314, and 315, with serial
numbers 459 through 501, excluding 462, 464, 467, 469, 478, 479, 481, 482, 487,
489, 490, 491, 493, 495, 498, 499 and 500.
Requirement: If not previously accomplished in accordance with Bombardier Inc. de Havilland Service Bulletin (SB) 8-33-40 dated 8 May 1998, install Bombardier Modification 8/3163 (Emergency Lights - Flight Attendant Authority over Pilot Switch) in accordance with SB 8-33-40 Revision A dated 28 July 1998.
Note: Transport Canada AD CF-98-33 refers.
Compliance: Within 12 calendar month from the effective date of this Directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 3 December 1998.
Background: This Directive allows the emergency lights to be turned on from the cabin flight attendant’s station with the pilot emergency lights switch in the “OFF’ position.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, serves to regulate civil aviation safety and other related matters. Among its various parts, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives, which are legally enforceable rules related to the design, production, maintenance, and operation of aircraft. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure that civil aircraft are airworthy, thereby maintaining a high standard of safety in the aviation industry. One such directive, AD/DHC-8/57, pertains to Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes, specifically addressing the installation of modifications to the emergency lights system. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns identified with the operation of these aircraft, ensuring compliance with stringent aviation safety standards.
The specific airworthiness directive AD/DHC-8/57 requires the installation of Bombardier Modification 8/3163 for certain models of DHC-8 aeroplanes to allow emergency lights to be activated from the cabin flight attendant’s station, even when the pilot's emergency lights switch is in the "OFF" position. This modification was made in response to a recognised safety issue and is intended to enhance emergency response capabilities. The directive applies to specific serial numbers of the DHC-8 models and requires compliance within 12 months from its effective date of 3 December 1998. This directive aligns with similar measures by Transport Canada, as referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-98-33.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates that the Airworthiness Directives apply to the specified Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 series aeroplanes. These include models 102, 103, 106, 201, 202, 301, 311, 314, and 315 with serial numbers 459 through 501, excluding the aircraft with serial numbers 462, 464, 467, 469, 478, 479, 481, 482, 487, 489, 490, 491, 493, 495, 498, 499, and 500. This regulation is applicable nationwide under the Commonwealth of Australia's jurisdiction and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive stipulates that if the specified Bombardier Modification 8/3163 has not been previously installed as per Bombardier Inc. de Havilland Service Bulletin 8-33-40 dated 8 May 1998, it must be implemented in accordance with the revision A of the bulletin dated 28 July 1998. Compliance with this directive is required within 12 calendar months from the effective date of 3 December 1998, ensuring that the emergency lights can be activated from the cabin flight attendant's station even when the pilot's emergency lights switch is in the "OFF" position.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outline the requirements for the airworthiness of Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes, focusing on emergency lighting systems. Section AD/DHC-8/57 addresses the installation of Bombardier Modification 8/3163, which grants flight attendants authority over the pilot switch for emergency lights. This modification must be implemented for DHC-8 aeroplanes models 102, 103, 106, 201, 202, 301, 311, 314, and 315, with specific serial numbers excluding certain aircraft.
The obligations imposed by this directive require operators of the affected aircraft to ensure that the modification is completed within 12 calendar months from the directive’s effective date, which was 3 December 1998. This installation must follow Bombardier Inc. de Havilland Service Bulletin (SB) 8-33-40 dated 8 May 1998 and its revision A dated 28 July 1998. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could lead to significant operational disruptions and legal ramifications.
Breaching the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative text, non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Possible outcomes include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. The severity of these penalties may depend on the extent of the non-compliance and the risk posed to flight safety.