COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Flight Management Systems
AD/FMS/2 Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers 3/99
Applicability: IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers manufactured by Honeywell with the Part Numbers 7017000-82401, -82402, 82403, -83401, -83402 and -83403.
Note: These computers are known to be fitted to but not limited to Embraer EMB-145 aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. Modify the computers in accordance with Honeywell Service Bulletin 7017000- 22-43 dated 24 March 1998.
2. Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers with the Part Numbers 7017000-82401, -82402, 82403, -83401, -83402 and -83403 are not to be installed on any aeroplane, unless the computers are modified in accordance with Honeywell Service Bulletin 7017000-22-43 dated 24 March 1998.
Note: FAA AD 99-01-14 Amdt 39-10979 refers.
Compliance: 1. Prior to 26 September 1999.
2. As of the effective date of this directive.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 March 1999.
Background: The FAA has received reports of failures of the integrated avionics computer which cause a ‘random reset’ condition of the electronic flight instrument system. The modification required by this directive is intended to correct this condition which could affect the pilot’s ability to control the aeroplane.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, contain Part 39, which includes 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addressing various aspects of aircraft safety. Among these, AD/FMS/2 specifically concerns the Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers. This legislation was introduced to address the safety gap identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding failures of these computers, which could cause a 'random reset' condition of the electronic flight instrument system, potentially impairing a pilot's ability to control the aircraft. The directive mandates modifications to these specific Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers to ensure they are installed and used safely in aircraft such as the Embraer EMB-145, thereby aligning with the overarching policy objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Airworthiness Directive (AD/FMS/2) applies specifically to Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers with certain part numbers, including those installed in Embraer EMB-145 aeroplanes. This legislative instrument mandates that these computers must be modified in accordance with Honeywell Service Bulletin 7017000-22-43 dated 24 March 1998. Additionally, it prohibits the installation of these specific computers on any aeroplane unless they have been modified as specified by the bulletin. The directive is applicable nationally under the Commonwealth of Australia’s Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, ensuring compliance with safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to significant safety risks, particularly concerning the potential for a ‘random reset’ condition that could impair the pilot’s control over the aircraft. The directive became effective on 25 March 1999, with compliance required before 26 September 1999, and subsequent adherence as of the directive's effective date.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, establish the requirements for maintaining airworthiness standards in Australian aviation. Within this framework, the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) includes AD/FMS/2, which addresses modifications for the Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers. This directive applies to IC-600 computers with specific part numbers (7017000-82401, -82402, 82403, -83401, -83402, and -83403), commonly installed in Embraer EMB-145 aeroplanes. The directive mandates that these computers must be modified according to Honeywell Service Bulletin 7017000-22-43 dated 24 March 1998. Additionally, it prohibits the installation of these computers on any aeroplane unless they have been modified as per the specified service bulletin. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved before 26 September 1999, and as of the directive's effective date on 25 March 1999.
Entities governed by these regulations must ensure that the required modifications are made to the Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers to address the identified issue of 'random reset' conditions in the electronic flight instrument system. This involves adherence to the specific service bulletin instructions and ensuring that any installation of the specified computers is contingent on prior modification. This obligation extends to both existing installations and new installations to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Non-compliance could potentially compromise the pilot’s ability to control the aeroplane, thus affecting the overall safety of the flight.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/FMS/2 can result in significant consequences. The legislation does not explicitly state penalties but implies that non-compliance could lead to safety hazards, which can result in severe regulatory action. Civil penalties may be imposed, and in extreme cases, criminal charges could be brought against individuals or entities responsible for the non-compliance. The potential for such legal action underscores the importance of adhering to the specified requirements to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. The gravity of the consequences highlights the necessity of prompt and accurate modification of the affected Honeywell IC-600 Integrated Avionics Computers to avoid any potential safety risks.