AD/G164/9 - Parking Brake Control - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, are intended to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in the country. This legislative framework was introduced to address the need for stringent safety standards and regulations to govern the aviation industry. One specific part of this regulation, Part 39 - 105, concerns Airworthiness Directives, which are issued to ensure that aircraft remain in a condition that allows safe operation. The policy objective behind these directives is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by addressing specific issues or deficiencies in aircraft design, manufacture, or maintenance. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedules these directives to provide clear guidance and compliance requirements for aircraft operators. One such directive, AD/G164/9, pertains to Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes, specifically addressing modifications to the parking brake control for all models with serial numbers 301 and subsequent. This directive mandates compliance forthwith, ensuring that these aircraft meet the required safety standards. The directive references Grumman G164 Service Bulletin No. 39, which provides the technical specifications and procedures necessary for implementing the required modifications.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes, including models with serial numbers 301 and above. This legislation applies to the aircraft themselves, mandating that all models within the specified serial number range must comply with the directive concerning the modification of the parking brake control. The directive is mandatory, necessitating compliance forthwith, as outlined in Grumman G164 Service Bulletin No. 39. The scope of this regulation is confined to the aforementioned aircraft models, and its jurisdictional reach is national, governed by the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, and its application extends through the issuance of the relevant service bulletins and directives by CASA. The application of these regulations may also be extended or further specified through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses the safety directives for certain aircraft models, including the Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) series aeroplanes. One such directive, AD/G164/9, pertains to the modification of the parking brake control for all models with serial numbers 301 and subsequent (Regulation 39.105.01). This directive mandates that the parking brake control be modified in accordance with Grumman G164 Service Bulletin No. 39. Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, meaning it must be implemented as soon as reasonably practicable (Regulation 39.105.02). Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, the obligations imposed on the parties governed by these directives are clear and stringent. Operators and owners of Schweizer (Grumman) G-164 (Ag-Cat) aeroplanes with the specified serial numbers must ensure that the mandated modifications to the parking brake control are carried out without delay. This involves following the precise instructions outlined in Grumman G164 Service Bulletin No. 39 and obtaining the necessary approvals or certifications from authorised personnel or entities. Failure to comply with these directives could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby prohibiting its operation until the required modifications are completed (Regulation 39.105.03). The legislation also outlines serious consequences for non-compliance with the specified airworthiness directives. Any breach of the requirements set forth in AD/G164/9 could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. In the event of a violation, the offending party may face substantial penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. These penalties are intended to ensure that all aircraft operated within Australia meet the highest safety standards, thereby protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the civil aviation system (Regulation 39.105.04).