COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Electrical Equipment
AD/ELECT/51
Amdt 1
SAFT 40AH Type 40976 Batteries 10/88
Applicability: All SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries P/No 18585 fitted to aircraft or held as spares.
Note: Aircraft types which may be fitted with this battery include but are not limited to Cessna 650.
Requirement: Action in accordance with SAFT SB 0005. FAA Telex AD T85-03-51 also refers. Compliance: 1. For batteries installed in aircraft, before further flight after 20 October 1988.
2. For uninstalled batteries, before installation in an aircraft.
Background: Inspection of SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries has revealed that the battery cell terminals can penetrate the rubber insulation under the lid and short circuit to ground thus potentially resulting in fire and/or loss of battery power. Amendment 1 to this Directive is issued to clarify the Compliance date.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate and ensure the safety of civil aviation within Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Specifically, Part 39 of these regulations deals with airworthiness directives, which are mandatory orders issued by CASA to address safety issues in aircraft. The amendment AD/ELECT/51Amdt 1, introduced in 1988, targets a critical safety concern with SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries, commonly used in various aircraft including the Cessna 650. The problem identified was the potential for battery cell terminals to penetrate the rubber insulation under the battery lid, leading to short circuits, which could result in fires or loss of battery power. The primary objective of this directive is to mandate inspections and actions to mitigate these risks, ensuring that both installed and uninstalled batteries comply with specified safety standards before any further use or installation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, mandate the compliance with Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which includes AD/ELECT/51 Amendment 1 concerning SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries. This directive applies to all SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries with part number 18585 that are either installed in aircraft such as the Cessna 650 or held as spares. The directive is geographically applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing safety standards for electrical equipment in civil aviation. The primary requirement is to follow the instructions outlined in SAFT Service Bulletin 0005, with reference to FAA Telex AD T85-03-51. Compliance necessitates that batteries installed in aircraft must be addressed before further flight after 20 October 1988, and uninstalled batteries must be inspected before they are installed in an aircraft. This directive aims to mitigate risks associated with potential short circuits that could lead to fires or loss of battery power, ensuring the continued safety of aviation operations within the country.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 107, pertain specifically to the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries. Section 107 requires all SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries with part number 18585, which are fitted to aircraft or held as spares, to comply with the AD/ELECT/51 Amendment 1. This directive mandates actions in accordance with SAFT Service Bulletin 0005, and references FAA Telex AD T85-03-51 for further information. The requirement is straightforward: batteries installed in aircraft must be addressed before any further flight after 20 October 1988, and uninstalled batteries must comply before they are installed in an aircraft.
The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Aircraft owners and operators must ensure that all SAFT 40 AH Type 40976 batteries are inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced to prevent the identified risk of short-circuiting due to cell terminal penetration of the rubber insulation. This includes batteries currently installed on aircraft as well as those held as spares. Compliance with SAFT Service Bulletin 0005 is mandatory, and the directive should be followed meticulously to avoid potential hazards such as fire or loss of battery power. Additionally, any modifications or repairs must be documented appropriately to demonstrate adherence to the regulatory requirements.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the AD/ELECT/51 Amendment 1 can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement actions against non-compliance. The potential outcomes include fines and other civil penalties, as well as potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to an aviation accident or incident. The maximum penalties can vary depending on the severity of the breach and the impact on aviation safety. It is crucial for all affected parties to understand the importance of adhering to these regulations to maintain the safety standards expected within the aviation industry.