Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation operations within the country. One of the legislative instruments under this framework is F2006B10178, which pertains to the GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes. This particular instrument was introduced to address a specific issue related to the control wheel gimbal support structure tie rod attachment plates in these aeroplanes. The problem identified was the potential for insufficient clearance between the control wheel retaining bolt and the control wheel gimbal bearings support brace, which could lead to operational hazards. The policy objective of this legislative instrument is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by mandating specific inspection and, if necessary, modification procedures. The enactment of F2006B10178 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aims to mitigate the risk associated with the identified issue by requiring all N22 and N24 series aeroplanes to undergo a detailed inspection of the control wheel gimbal support structure tie rod attachment plates. The directive mandates that this inspection must be carried out before further flight if any obstruction to the controls is experienced during the inspection. If no such obstruction is detected, the inspection must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after a specified date. This regulation ensures that any potential defects are identified and rectified in a timely manner, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of the aircraft in question.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies the Airworthiness Directive AD/GAF-N22/31 to all N22 and N24 series aeroplanes. This regulation mandates an inspection and, if necessary, modification of the control wheel gimbal support structure tie rod attachment plates. The directive applies to any aircraft of the specified series, regardless of the entity or individual operating the aircraft, and requires compliance unless the inspection and modification have already been completed. The inspection must be performed before further flight if any obstruction to controls is experienced during the initial inspection, otherwise it must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 4 December 1979. The inspection can be conducted by the pilot in command or any Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, with certification required in the latter case. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this legislation is national, applying to all N22 and N24 series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions stated within the directive, though the application may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments. The directive is part of the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which is enforced by CASA to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards and safety requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, provide detailed directives concerning the airworthiness of certain aircraft types, including the GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes. This regulation focuses on the control wheel gimbal support structure tie rod attachment plates, detailing both inspection and modification requirements (s. 39-105). The directive, identified as AD/GAF-N22/31, mandates that all N22 and N24 series aeroplanes must adhere to the provisions outlined in the document Nomad Alert SB ANMD-27-14. The primary aim is to ensure that the aircraft remain airworthy by addressing any potential issues with the control wheel retaining bolt and the control wheel gimbal bearings support brace. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. For aircraft maintained in accordance with ANO 100.5.1, Part A of this directive must be documented on the maintenance release as maintenance required. This requirement ensures that the inspection is noted and addressed appropriately. The inspection itself can be performed by the pilot in command, although in such cases, certification is not necessary. For all other instances, certification by a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is required. Additionally, if any obstruction to the controls is detected during the inspection, further actions must be taken before the aircraft can be flown again. If no obstructions are found, the inspection and any necessary modifications must be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 4 December 1979. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant legal consequences. The potential breaches include operating an aircraft that does not meet the specified airworthiness standards, which can result in both civil and criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, the overarching legal framework under which these regulations operate typically includes fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and intent of the violation. Ensuring compliance is, therefore, not only a matter of operational safety but also legal necessity to avoid these potential consequences.