AD/EMY/6 - Inflatable Escape Slides - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B09556, were enacted to address safety concerns relating to emergency equipment, specifically inflatable escape slides, on aircraft. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia, aiming to ensure that emergency equipment meets the necessary safety standards. The regulation focuses on Garrett-Air Cruisers escape slides P/N 15D22129 and 15D22129-1 manufactured prior to 17 April 1966, requiring immediate compliance with the specified modifications as outlined in Garrett Air Cruisers Service Bulletin No. SB-114-66-2. The policy objective is to enhance the safety of passengers during emergencies by mandating modifications to ensure the functionality and reliability of inflatable escape slides on aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandates the modification of inflatable escape slides for Garrett-Air Cruisers escape slides with part numbers 15D22129 and 15D22129-1 manufactured before 17 April 1966. This legislation applies to all aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and individuals involved in the maintenance and operation of such escape slides, ensuring they comply with the specified modifications. The directive has a national reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and applies to any aircraft registered in Australia. This directive does not exclude any specific entities or industries but is broadly applicable to the aviation sector. Compliance is mandatory and must be achieved forthwith, as indicated by the directive. The application of this regulation can be further detailed or expanded through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument, specifically AD/EMY/6 concerning inflatable escape slides for Garrett-Air Cruisers, outline the modifications required for certain escape slides manufactured before a specific date. According to section 9/66, the applicability of these modifications is clearly stated to cover all Garrett-Air Cruisers escape slides with the parts numbers 15D22129 and 15D22129-1, manufactured prior to 17 April 1966. Compliance with these directives is mandatory and must be completed forthwith as stipulated in the accompanying document, Garrett Air Cruisers Service Bulletin No. SB-114-66-2. The obligations imposed by this legislation are stringent and require immediate attention. Operators and owners of the specified aircraft must ensure that the modifications detailed in SB-114-66-2 are implemented without delay. This involves a thorough inspection and, if necessary, the replacement or alteration of the escape slides to meet the specified safety standards. The requirement to comply "forthwith" emphasises the urgency and critical nature of these safety measures. Non-compliance with the directives outlined in this legislation can result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations, and failure to adhere to the requirements can lead to significant penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text, it is known that breaches of civil aviation safety regulations can result in substantial fines, legal action, and potentially the grounding of the aircraft until the deficiencies are rectified. Such penalties underscore the importance of timely and accurate compliance with the Airworthiness Directives.