Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within Australia. One of the key components of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to address specific safety concerns. AD/F406/9, issued on 3 February 2002, is an example of such a directive. This AD was introduced in response to reports of cracks in the flap control system pushrods of Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes, which could potentially lead to an asymmetrical flap condition and loss of control. The directive requires an inspection in accordance with Reims Aviation Service Bulletin CAB01-17 to mitigate this risk, and compliance must be achieved before further flight after 6 February 2002. This legislative instrument aims to ensure that all affected aircraft meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting public safety in air travel.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies specifically to Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from F406-0001 to F406-0089. The directive mandates that an inspection of the flap control system pushrods be conducted in accordance with Reims Aviation Service Bulletin CAB01-17, dated 14 December 2001, to address the identified unsafe condition of potential cracks at the ends of the tube. This condition, if unaddressed, could lead to pushrod failure, an asymmetrical flap condition, and potentially a loss of control of the aircraft. The requirement necessitates that the specified inspection be completed before further flight after 6 February 2002, unless it has already been performed. The AD is effective from 6 February 2002 and is communicated through the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. This directive is a regulatory measure designed to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the specified aircraft within the Australian jurisdiction.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include the Airworthiness Directive (AD) concerning Reims Aviation F406 Series Aeroplanes, as detailed in AD/F406/9 (paragraph 1). This AD pertains to the flap control system pushrods of the F406 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from F406-0001 to F406-0089. The directive mandates an inspection of the flap control system pushrods in accordance with Reims Aviation Service Bulletin CAB01-17, dated 14 December 2001 (paragraph 2). This inspection must be completed before further flight after 6 February 2002 unless it has already been performed (paragraph 3). The AD imposes several obligations on the parties involved, primarily focusing on ensuring the safety of the aircraft. Operators of the affected F406 aircraft must adhere to the inspection requirements outlined in Service Bulletin CAB01-17 (paragraph 2). This includes performing the inspection prior to any subsequent flights after 6 February 2002, ensuring that any previously identified issues are addressed before the aircraft resumes operation (paragraph 3). The AD also references DGAC AD 2002-046(A), indicating that this directive is in alignment with international standards and recommendations (paragraph 2). In terms of enforcement and consequences, while the AD itself does not explicitly detail specific penalties for non-compliance, the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide a framework for addressing breaches. Non-compliance with an AD can result in severe consequences, including potential grounding of the aircraft, which could lead to substantial operational disruptions and financial losses for the operator. Additionally, more severe legal consequences might apply under broader aviation safety laws, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals or entities found to be in breach of safety regulations.