AD/GAF-N22/11 Amdt 1 - Relocation of Pilot Seat Installations

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, introduced by the Australian Government to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation, contains a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) that outlines specific requirements for maintaining aircraft airworthiness. One such directive, AD/GAF-N22/11 Amendment 1, specifically addresses the relocation of pilot seat installations in GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure that the specified models meet the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting the operational integrity and safety of these aircraft. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate specific modifications to the pilot seat installations of certain N22 and N22B series aeroplanes to align with safety standards outlined in GAF SB N22.25.1, requiring compliance before 1 May 1977. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were established by the Parliament of Australia to provide a comprehensive legal framework for civil aviation operations, ensuring that all aircraft meet stringent safety and operational standards. The ADs, including AD/GAF-N22/11 Amendment 1, are critical in maintaining these standards by issuing specific directives to aircraft manufacturers and operators. This particular directive addresses safety concerns related to the seating positions of pilots in certain GAF aeroplane models, emphasising CASA’s commitment to ensuring that all aircraft meet necessary safety benchmarks. The directive mandates that the specified models be modified to comply with the outlined safety standards, ensuring that these aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/GAF-N22/11 Amendment 1, pertains to the relocation of pilot seat installations for certain General Aviation Factory (GAF) N22 and N24 series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to specific aircraft models with serial numbers identified within the directive, namely Model N22 with serial numbers 2 and 4, and Model N22B with serial numbers 7, 25, 26, 27, and 28. The requirement outlined in this directive is to modify the position of both pilot seat installations in accordance with the GAF Service Bulletin N22.25.1. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved before 1 May 1977. The scope of this directive is confined to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, and no exclusions or exemptions are stated within the text. The directive is part of the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which operate under the Commonwealth of Australia and thus have a national reach. The directive itself may be subject to further interpretation or expansion through subordinate instruments, but these are not detailed within the given text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically in Part 39 - 105, provide detailed guidelines for airworthiness directives, including AD/GAF-N22/11 Amendment 1. This amendment pertains to the relocation of pilot seat installations in GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes, particularly affecting certain models and serial numbers (sections 5/77). The directive applies to specific model N22 aircraft with serial numbers 2 and 4, and model N22B aircraft with serial numbers 7, 25, 26, 27, and 28. The requirement is for these aircraft to modify the positions of both pilot seat installations in accordance with GAF SB N22.25.1. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 1 May 1977. The Civil Aviation Regulations mandate that the specified aircraft must undergo the required modifications to their pilot seat installations. This involves ensuring that the seats are repositioned following the guidelines set out in GAF SB N22.25.1. The regulation does not provide specific details on the modifications but references the technical bulletin for precise instructions. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the modifications are completed to meet the airworthiness standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with these modifications could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could have significant operational and safety implications. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on the operators of the specified aircraft. Firstly, they must ensure that the modifications to the pilot seat installations are carried out in accordance with the referenced technical bulletin. Operators are also required to complete these modifications before the specified deadline of 1 May 1977. This deadline is non-negotiable, and failure to meet it could lead to penalties or legal consequences. Additionally, operators must maintain records of compliance to demonstrate adherence to the airworthiness directive. These records may be subject to inspection by CASA to ensure compliance. Breaching the requirements outlined in AD/GAF-N22/11 Amendment 1 can result in various civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the regulation, general provisions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) apply. Violations could lead to fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach. Additionally, the aircraft may be grounded until compliance is achieved, which could disrupt operations and lead to financial losses. The exact penalties would be determined by CASA upon investigation and could vary based on the circumstances of the non-compliance.