AD/GAF-N22/49 - Emergency Exit - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B10196, address the problem of emergency exits on GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes requiring excessive force to operate. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia and is administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the safety of passengers and crew by making necessary modifications to the emergency exits to reduce the force required to open them, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of emergency evacuations. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1984, or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release, whichever comes first, in accordance with the manufacturer's Service Bulletin AS/B ANMD-52-6. This measure is crucial to mitigate risks associated with delayed or failed emergency exits during critical situations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to Airworthiness Directives, and includes regulations that apply to the maintenance and operation of aircraft within Australia. This particular legislative instrument, AD/GAF-N22/49, targets all models N22 and N24 aeroplanes, mandating compliance with Nomad Service Bulletin AS/B ANMD-52-6, which addresses the modification of the emergency exit. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 October 1984, or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release following that date, whichever comes first. This regulation applies to all operators of N22 and N24 series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that these aircraft meet specified safety standards. The scope of the Act is limited to the modifications prescribed in the referenced service bulletin, and does not extend to other areas of aircraft operation or maintenance unless specified by other regulatory provisions.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains provisions concerning the airworthiness of GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes. The directive in question, AD/GAF-N22/49, pertains to emergency exit modifications. According to section 10/84, this directive applies to all models of the N22 and N24 series. The requirement outlined in this directive is the implementation of the modifications detailed in Nomad Service Bulletin AS/B ANMD-52-6. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft’s time in service after 31 October 1984, or at the next scheduled inspection for maintenance release after that date, whichever comes first. The obligations under this directive are clear and direct. Operators and owners of GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes must ensure that the emergency exit modifications as specified in the Nomad Service Bulletin are performed in a timely manner. This involves either adhering to the 100-hour time in service window or ensuring that the modifications are carried out prior to the next scheduled maintenance inspection. The directive is explicit about the necessity of these modifications to address the reported issue of excessive force required to push the emergency exit clear of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the aircraft not meeting the necessary airworthiness standards, potentially leading to safety concerns. There are significant consequences for non-compliance with the provisions of this airworthiness directive. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority can enforce actions against operators and owners who fail to adhere to the stipulated compliance deadlines. This may include penalties and enforcement actions under relevant aviation safety legislation. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this directive, the overarching Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations provide for substantial fines and other regulatory measures that can be applied. Such penalties underscore the importance of timely compliance to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.