Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, includes an Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning the inspection and removal of specific components in Nickel Cadmium Batteries, such as those from Sonotone or Marathon types CA-9 and MA-9. This legislation was introduced to address safety concerns related to battery integrity and performance in aircraft electrical systems. The AD mandates a thorough inspection of the battery lid and its components to prevent potential issues arising from improper installation or wear. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical equipment in aircraft, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate risks associated with faulty or improperly installed components in aircraft batteries, which could potentially lead to electrical failures or other safety hazards. By enforcing the inspection and, if necessary, the removal of double “D” washers under the socket head cap screws and ensuring the correct assembly and tightening of these components, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 seek to maintain high standards of airworthiness and operational safety in the aviation industry. This directive underscores the importance of regular maintenance and compliance with specific technical standards to safeguard against potential risks in aircraft electrical systems.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Sonotone or Marathon type CA-9 and MA-9 Nickel Cadmium Batteries used in civil aviation. The legislation mandates thorough inspections and specific actions to ensure the safety and reliability of these electrical components, which are integral to the operation of aircraft. The regulations require the inspection of battery lids to confirm that the socket head cap screws securing the cell connectors have not compromised the lid gasket, and the inspection of the top of the battery to ascertain that certain washers are not fitted under the socket head cap screws. If such washers are present, they must be removed, and connectors and cell terminals must be checked for cleanliness before reassembly. These requirements apply to all relevant batteries before the next deep cycle check after 31 October 1973, ensuring that aviation safety standards are consistently met. The scope of the regulations is confined to the specified batteries, and compliance is mandatory for all entities operating aircraft that use these batteries within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 107 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate inspections and corrective actions for Sonotone or Marathon type CA-9 and MA-9 Nickel Cadmium Batteries (section 10/73). The directive requires the inspection of battery lids to ensure the socket head cap screws securing the cells' connectors have not cut through the lid gasket (section 1). Additionally, it mandates checking the top of the battery to verify that P/N 23591-1 double “D” washers are not fitted under the head of the P/N 10488-20 socket head cap screws (section 2). If double “D” washers are present, they must be removed and the connector straps and cell terminals checked for cleanliness (section 3). Following this, connectors should be replaced, and all P/N 10488-20 socket head cap screws and P/N 16128-1 Belleville spring washers should be reassembled finger tight, then tightened to a torque value of 35-50 inch lbs. The obligations imposed by this directive are primarily on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They are required to perform the specified inspections and take corrective actions as dictated by the directive before initiating the next deep cycle check after 31 October 1973. This includes ensuring that the battery lids are intact, double “D” washers are removed if present, and all screws and washers are correctly installed and tightened to the specified torque values. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, potentially leading to operational issues and safety risks. Failure to comply with the directives outlined in section 10/73 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, non-compliance with CASA directives can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Such actions may include fines, suspension of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory penalties. The severity of the consequences may depend on the extent of non-compliance and its impact on aviation safety. It is crucial for aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid potential legal and safety repercussions.