AD/GAF-N22/36 - Horizontal Stabiliser - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and integrity of civil aviation operations within the country. Within this framework, Part 39 - 105, specifically the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the need for maintaining and modifying aircraft to prevent safety hazards. This legislative instrument was introduced to rectify the issue of structural integrity in certain aircraft models, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards to protect passengers and crew. The policy objective is to mandate modifications that prevent potential structural failures, thereby enhancing the overall safety of air travel. The particular legislative instrument in focus, F2006B10183 (AD/GAF-N22/36), targets the GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes, addressing problems such as loose rivets, skin cracking, and internal structural cracking in the horizontal stabilisers. This directive applies to all N22, N22B, N24, and N24A models with specific serial numbers, requiring compliance with the guidance provided in GAF Service Bulletin No. NMD-55-10. The aim is to ensure these aircraft are maintained to the highest safety standards, mitigating the risk of in-flight structural failure.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies to all aeroplanes of the GAF N22 and N24 series, including models N22, N22B, N24, and N24A, with serial numbers referenced in Service Bulletin (SB) No. NMD-55-10. This regulation is designed to address safety concerns associated with the horizontal stabiliser of these aircraft, which have been observed to develop loose rivets, skin cracking, and internal structural cracking during service. The directive applies to any aircraft that were in compliance before 1 August 1980 and mandates that the modifications specified in the Service Bulletin be implemented to ensure continued airworthiness. The regulation is a Commonwealth law and applies across the entire nation, ensuring a uniform standard of safety for the specified aircraft within Australian airspace. The directive does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, meaning that all applicable aircraft must adhere to the requirements set out in the Service Bulletin.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate the Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning the GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes. The directive in question, AD/GAF-N22/36, focuses on the modification of the horizontal stabiliser (section 39.105). This directive applies to all models N22, N22B, N24, and N24A with serial numbers referenced in Service Bulletin No. NMD-55-10 (section 39.105(1)). Compliance with this directive is required before 1 August 1980 (section 39.105(2)). The directive is based on the background of several instances where the horizontal stabiliser developed issues such as loose rivets, skin cracking, and internal structural cracking during service (section 39.105(3)). The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act under this directive are specific and detailed. Operators of the affected aircraft models must ensure that the horizontal stabiliser modifications are performed as outlined in GAF Service Bulletin No. NMD-55-10. This includes conducting thorough inspections to identify loose rivets and structural damage and making necessary repairs or replacements to maintain airworthiness. The modifications must be completed and certified by authorised personnel before the specified compliance date, ensuring that the aircraft meet safety standards (section 39.105(4)). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/GAF-N22/36 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may take enforcement actions against non-compliant operators, including fines, penalties, or even grounding of the aircraft. The specific penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations. In severe cases, non-compliance could lead to criminal charges if it is deemed to have caused significant harm or risk to public safety (section 39.105(5)). The directive underscores the importance of timely and proper modifications to prevent potential in-flight structural failures.