AD/DHC-8/9 - Flap Track No.5 Fail Safe Straps

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to provide comprehensive regulations concerning all aspects of civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety and efficiency within the sector. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B09249, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, specifically addressing Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes. The problem this legislation aimed to address was the issue of fatigue failures on flap track number 5 fail-safe straps due to incorrect installation, as evidenced by occurrences noted in the aviation industry. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate compliance with Boeing Canada's DHC-8 Service Bulletin No. 8-57-10, ensuring that the specified action is taken within a set timeframe to mitigate safety risks. The enactment of this directive by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is a critical measure to maintain the airworthiness of DHC-8 Series aeroplanes within Australia's civil aviation framework. By requiring compliance within 500 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 5 October 1989, or before 5 January 1990, the legislation ensures that the identified safety issue is promptly addressed. This legislative instrument reflects the commitment to stringent safety standards and proactive risk management within Australia's aviation sector, aiming to prevent potential hazards associated with the identified flap track failures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issues Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular AD/DHC-8/9 focuses on Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series aeroplanes, targeting aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 119. The directive mandates compliance with Boeing Canada DHC-8 Service Bulletin No. 8-57-10 dated 31 March 1989, which addresses the replacement of flap track No. 5 fail safe straps to prevent fatigue failures due to incorrect installation. Compliance with this AD is required within 500 hours of time in service after 5 October 1989, or before 5 January 1990, whichever comes first. This regulation applies to all operators of DHC-8 aircraft within Australia and ensures that maintenance and safety standards are uniformly enforced across the industry.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes provisions for Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes (sections referenced as F2006B09249). This legislation mandates that aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 119 must comply with Boeing Canada DHC-8 Service Bulletin No. 8-57-10, dated 31 March 1989. The directive addresses issues related to flap track number 5 fail-safe straps, which have experienced fatigue failures due to improper installation. The main operative sections require that aircraft owners and operators must adhere to the specified action detailed in the aforementioned service bulletin. This includes performing corrective actions on the fail-safe straps to prevent fatigue failures. The directive is cross-referenced with Transport Canada AD CF-89-02, which provides additional context and guidelines. Compliance must be achieved within 500 hours of time in service after 5 October 1989, or before 5 January 1990, whichever comes first. This ensures that the necessary maintenance is conducted in a timely manner to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures. The obligations imposed by this Act are clear and specific. Aircraft owners and operators must ensure that the corrective actions as outlined in the service bulletin are implemented. This includes inspecting and potentially replacing the flap track number 5 fail-safe straps as necessary. Additionally, these entities must ensure that any work performed complies with the standards set out by CASA and referenced Transport Canada directives. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in serious safety implications for the aircraft in question. Any non-compliance with the provisions of this Act may result in significant consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument provided, breaches of Civil Aviation Regulations can generally lead to enforcement actions by CASA. This may include fines, grounding of the aircraft, or other regulatory penalties. In severe cases, repeated non-compliance or safety violations can result in more stringent penalties, including suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates. Such actions are taken to ensure that all aircraft operate within the safety standards mandated by Australian aviation law.