AD/FK-P/4 - Starter Gear/Damper Assembly P/No 18708 - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and enacted by the Parliament of Australia, address the need for comprehensive regulations governing airworthiness and safety in the aviation industry. The specific focus of the legislation is to ensure the safe operation of aircraft through various directives and regulatory requirements. One such directive is AD/FK-P/4, which pertains to the inspection of starter gear/damper assemblies in Franklin piston engines of model 6A-350-C1 and C2 with specific serial numbers. This directive aims to ensure ongoing airworthiness by mandating inspections within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1972 and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours thereafter. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards and prevent mechanical failures that could compromise flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which governs the airworthiness and operation of aircraft in Australia. The legislation mandates compliance with these directives for specific aircraft and engines, ensuring safety and operational standards are upheld. One such directive, AD/FK-P/4, pertains to the inspection of the starter gear/damper assembly of Franklin Piston Engines Model 6A-350-C1 and C2 with serial numbers as listed in the Requirement Document. The directive applies to engines with Franklin serial number 112 and requires that inspections occur within 100 hours of time in service following 31 August 1972 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This directive is applicable to the specified engine models and serial numbers, ensuring compliance with safety standards for those particular aircraft components. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this directive is limited to Australia, as it is enforced by CASA under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. The directive does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the specified engine models and serial numbers. The application of the directive can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA, which may provide additional details or updates to ensure compliance with evolving safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 106, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives which governs the maintenance and safety standards for aircraft components. Within this part, AD/FK-P/4 pertains to the inspection of the starter gear/damper assembly of Franklin Piston Engines, particularly those installed in Model 6A-350-C1 and C2 with serial numbers listed in the Requirement Document, as referenced in Franklin SB No 112. This directive mandates that an inspection of the starter gear/damper assembly must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1972 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and stringent. Operators and owners of the specified aircraft models must ensure that the required inspections are conducted in accordance with the stipulated timeframes. Failure to comply with these inspection intervals can result in serious safety risks, potentially leading to engine failure or other critical malfunctions during operation. The regulations also require that any findings from these inspections be documented and reported to the relevant authorities as necessary, ensuring that any issues identified are addressed promptly and effectively. In terms of penalties and consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline various sanctions that can be applied. Operators found in breach of these airworthiness directives may face administrative penalties, including fines. The severity of these penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but they are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety standards. In more serious cases, non-compliance could also lead to criminal charges, with potential imprisonment for individuals found guilty of deliberately disregarding these safety requirements. Additionally, the aircraft itself may be grounded until the required inspections are completed and any necessary repairs made, which can have significant operational and financial implications for the operators.