Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. One specific legislative instrument under these regulations, F2006B09233, was introduced to address an identified safety issue with the Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes. This Airworthiness Directive (AD) was issued to mandate the replacement of certain foam air filters in the cabin exhaust system of specified DHC-8 Series aeroplanes due to non-compliance with flammability standards. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of fire hazards that could arise from the use of these non-compliant filters, ensuring the continued safety of passengers and crew. The AD was issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and came into effect on 30 November 2000, requiring compliance within four months of the directive's notification.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertains specifically to the Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes, serial numbers 408, 413, and 434 to 507, excluding serial numbers 464, 490, and 506. The scope of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) is to address an identified safety concern involving the cabin exhaust foam air filters. This AD is applicable to the specified series of aeroplanes within the given serial number range and mandates the replacement of certain foam air filters installed in the cabin exhaust system to ensure compliance with flammability standards. The directive requires the replacement to be carried out according to Bombardier Repair Drawing RD8-21-23, Issue 2, dated 16 December 1999, and must be completed within four months from the directive's effective date of 30 November 2000. The directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 1 November 2000, thereby formalising its applicability and enforcement within the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD/DHC-8/75) issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) sets out specific requirements for certain Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes. The directive applies to DHC-8 Series 100, 200 and 300 aeroplanes, excluding those with serial numbers 464, 490, and 506, and specifically to those within the serial number range of 408 to 507, excluding 464, 490, and 506 (Section 12/2000). The requirement under this directive mandates the replacement of any foam air filters (part number 600048) or alternate foam air filters installed in the cabin exhaust system, in accordance with Bombardier Repair Drawing RD8-21-23, Issue 2, dated 16 December 1999 (Requirement). This instruction references Transport Canada's airworthiness directive CF-2000-25. The directive stipulates that these changes must be implemented within four months from the effective date of the AD, which is 30 November 2000 (Compliance). The AD imposes clear obligations on the operators of the specified DHC-8 Series aeroplanes. Operators must ensure that the foam air filters are replaced as per the instructions provided in the directive. This involves sourcing the correct replacement parts, as outlined in Bombardier Repair Drawing RD8-21-23, Issue 2, dated 16 December 1999. The replacement must be carried out by a certified technician to ensure compliance with safety standards. Operators are required to document the replacement process, including the serial number of the aeroplane and the date of compliance, and retain these records for future audits and inspections by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with the AD can result in significant legal and financial consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can be considered a breach of civil aviation safety regulations. Such breaches may result in enforcement actions by CASA, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and impact of the breach on aviation safety. Operators found in violation of the AD may also face additional scrutiny and audits, potentially leading to further enforcement actions and operational disruptions.