AD/EMY/28 - Aerazur Liferaft

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to regulate civil aviation and ensure safety and efficiency within the sector. Part 39 of these regulations includes Airworthiness Directives aimed at maintaining the safety of aircraft and their passengers. One such directive, AD/EMY/28, pertains to the Aerazur Type 346 Liferaft and requires actions in accordance with the Aerazur Mandatory Service Bulletin 346.60.001 to address issues related to the manual inflation/deflation valves. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with deteriorated flange material in the liferafts, as reported prior to 15 May 1993, ensuring that emergency equipment remains reliable and effective. The underlying policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards for passengers and crew aboard aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/EMY/28 concerning the Aerazur Type 346 Liferaft, applies to all operators of aircraft that are equipped with the specified liferaft model. This regulatory directive mandates compliance with the Aerazur Mandatory Service Bulletin 346.60.001, which addresses the issue of manual inflation/deflation valves with deteriorated flange material. The directive's jurisdictional reach is comprehensive, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby ensuring uniform standards and safety measures in the aviation industry. Operators must take corrective action before the stipulated compliance date of 15 May 1993 to ensure the airworthiness of the emergency equipment on their aircraft. This directive is an integral part of the overarching framework established under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, reinforcing the safety and operational standards expected in Australian civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, addresses the safety and operational requirements for airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Within this legislative instrument, AD/EMY/28 pertains to the Aerazur Type 346 Liferaft, detailing the mandatory actions required to ensure these liferafts remain airworthy. According to Section 28 of this directive, the requirement is to follow Aerazur Mandatory Service Bulletin 346.60.001, which outlines the necessary procedures for addressing issues with the liferaft's manual inflation/deflation valves. This directive references DGAC AD 92-246(AB) and mandates that compliance must be achieved before 15 May 1993, given reports of deteriorated flange material in the valves. The obligations imposed by AD/EMY/28 are clear and specific. Operators of Aerazur Type 346 Liferafts must ensure that their equipment adheres to the instructions provided in Aerazur’s Mandatory Service Bulletin 346.60.001. This includes conducting thorough inspections and taking corrective actions on the manual inflation/deflation valves to prevent potential failures during emergency situations. The directive demands that all identified issues be resolved before the specified compliance date, ensuring that the liferafts are safe and reliable for use in emergency evacuations. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/EMY/28 can result in serious legal and operational repercussions. Section 107 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 stipulates that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions. Such actions may include fines, operational restrictions, or even the grounding of aircraft if the relevant liferafts are found to be non-compliant. The potential penalties for breaching these regulations are significant, underscoring the importance of adhering to the mandated deadlines and procedures to maintain air safety standards.