AD/ELECT/15 - Engine Starter - Bendix - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, establishes safety standards for civil aviation within Australia, with the overarching objective of ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B09405, addresses issues related to airworthiness directives for electrical equipment, particularly targeting engine starters. This directive was enacted to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the use of specific Bendix starters, ensuring that they meet stringent safety requirements. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, acting under the authority of the Australian Parliament, issued this directive to mandate the replacement of certain components in Bendix starters to enhance aircraft safety and prevent failures that could compromise flight operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, applies to all entities and individuals involved in the operation of aircraft within Australia. This legislation encompasses various aspects of civil aviation, including the maintenance and safety directives that ensure the airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/ELECT/15, pertains to the modification of Bendix starters type 756 fitted to aircraft where the starter is crucial for propeller unfeathering. This directive mandates the replacement of planetary pinions P/N 46916 with pinions P/N 644718 and requires that the modified starter be clearly marked with a “P” in red paint adjacent to the starter nameplate. The directive applies nationally and must be complied with before 31 March 1965, ensuring that all affected aircraft meet the specified safety standards. While the primary focus is on ensuring aircraft safety, this legislation does not explicitly mention exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but the requirements are specific and leave little room for interpretation. The scope of this directive can be further detailed or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 107, contain a specific Airworthiness Directive (AD) titled "Electrical Equipment - Engine Starter - Bendix - Modification" (AD/ELECT/15). This directive applies to all Bendix starters type 756 installed in aircraft where the starter is essential for propeller unfeathering (Section 12/64). The main requirement of this directive is to replace all existing planetary pinions with part number 46916 with new pinions bearing the part number 644718. Additionally, once the modification is completed, the modified starter must be clearly marked by painting a red "P" adjacent to the starter's nameplate (Section 12/64). Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 31 March 1965. The obligations imposed by this AD on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Aircraft owners or operators must ensure that the identified Bendix starters type 756 are modified by replacing the specified planetary pinions. Moreover, the marking requirement is imperative to distinguish the modified starters from unmodified ones, thereby ensuring safety and compliance with the directive. Failure to comply with these obligations can have serious implications, both operationally and legally, as the directive is designed to enhance the safety and reliability of the aircraft's electrical system, particularly in relation to propeller unfeathering. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the AD does not explicitly state penalties in the provided text. However, in general, non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines and the potential grounding of the aircraft until the directive is complied with. Criminal penalties can apply if non-compliance results in an accident or incident, potentially leading to imprisonment for the responsible parties. It is essential for aircraft operators and owners to adhere strictly to the timelines and requirements of such directives to avoid these serious repercussions.