Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (the Regulations) were enacted in 1998 by the Australian Government to establish the necessary safety standards for civil aviation within Australia, addressing the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. This legislative instrument, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aims to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation through the enforcement of safety directives and standards. One such directive, AD/DHE/25, pertains to the applicability of Gipsy Queen 70 MK. 2.6/72 engines and mandates that specific modifications outlined in Rolls Royce Gipsy Technical News Sheet TNS GQ.70 No. 15 dated 26 February 1968, Appendix "A", be incorporated before these engines can be reinstalled into aircraft following their next reconditioning after 30 June 1972. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure that the engines meet the required safety standards to mitigate any potential risks associated with their operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 106, applies to all persons and entities involved with the maintenance, modification, and operation of De Havilland Gipsy Queen 70 MK. 2.6/72 piston engines in civil aviation. This regulation mandates that any major reconditioning of these engines completed after 30 June 1972 must incorporate the modifications marked with an asterisk in the Rolls Royce Gipsy Technical News Sheet TNS GQ.70 No. 15 dated 26 February 1968, Appendix "A". The regulations have a national jurisdictional reach as they are governed under the Commonwealth of Australia, applying uniformly across all states and territories. The regulation extends its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the modifications are incorporated before the engines are installed in aircraft. There are no exclusions or exemptions stated in this directive, and compliance is mandatory for all affected parties.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that governs various aspects of aircraft maintenance and operations. One of these directives, AD/DHE/25, pertains to De Havilland Piston Engines and sets forth a minimum modification standard at major reconditioning (Section 1). This directive applies to Gipsy Queen 70 MK. 2.6/72 engines and mandates that certain modifications must be incorporated (Section 2). The required modifications are detailed in Rolls Royce Gipsy Technical News Sheet TNS GQ.70 No. 15, dated 26 February 1968, Appendix "A", and specifically those marked with an asterisk (Section 3). Under this directive, the engines must be modified before their next major reconditioning is completed, provided that this occurs after 30 June 1972 (Section 4). The purpose of these modifications is to ensure that the engines meet the specified airworthiness standards, which is critical for the safe operation of the aircraft. The regulations outline a clear pathway for compliance by requiring that the modifications be completed prior to the engine's next major reconditioning. This ensures that the aircraft will be equipped with the necessary safety improvements before it returns to service. The obligations imposed by AD/DHE/25 fall on engine manufacturers, maintenance providers, and aircraft operators. Engine manufacturers and maintenance providers are responsible for ensuring that the specified modifications are incorporated during the reconditioning process. Aircraft operators must ensure that their engines are compliant with the directive before they are installed back into service. This involves verifying that the modifications have been carried out correctly and that the engines meet the required standards. Failure to comply with AD/DHE/25 can result in significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines up to the statutory maximum of $12,600 for individuals and $63,000 for corporations, as outlined in the Act. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, with potential imprisonment terms for individuals and further fines for corporations. These stringent penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.