AD/GAF-N22/59 Amdt 1 - Engine Ground Running

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, address the safety standards required for aircraft operations within Australia. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to ensure that aircraft meet specific airworthiness standards to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all persons involved in aviation activities. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by issuing directives that address specific safety concerns identified by the manufacturer or regulatory body. This particular amendment, AD/GAF-N22/59 Amendment 1, pertains to the ground running procedures for GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes, emphasising the need to follow updated practices to minimise loads on the horizontal stabiliser and flaps, thus reducing the risk of structural damage during engine ground running operations. The directive requires the removal of the original placard and installation of a new placard with specific instructions, ensuring that pilots are aware of the correct procedures to follow during engine ground running. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for aircraft that have exceeded 25 hours of time in service after 2 October 1991, reflecting the importance of adhering to the updated safety standards to mitigate potential risks associated with ground running practices.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which governs the operational safety of aircraft within Australian airspace. The regulation AD/GAF-N22/59 Amendment 1 addresses the engine ground running procedures for the GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes, requiring the removal of a previously installed placard and the installation of a new one that clearly states the conditions under which engine ground running must be conducted. This includes the requirement that the flaps must be set at 0° during the process, the control column should be held firmly against the forward horizontal stabiliser control stops, and the horizontal stabiliser gust lock should not be fitted during ground runs. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for aircraft that have exceeded 25 hours of time in service after 2 October 1991. The directive applies to all persons and entities operating these specific aircraft models within Australia and is enforced under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. No exclusions or exemptions are specified in the text, indicating that the directive applies universally to all N22 and N24 series aeroplanes meeting the criteria. The scope of this regulation can be extended or further defined through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly within PART 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes, are prominently outlined in AD/GAF-N22/59 Amendment 1. This amendment specifically addresses engine ground running procedures (Section 11/91 DM). It mandates the removal of any existing placard related to this directive, installed in accordance with its original issue, and requires the installation of a new placard that clearly states the updated procedures for engine ground running (Section 11/91 DM). The new placard must be placed in a position fully visible to the pilot, detailing that the engine ground running is to be conducted with flaps set at 0 degrees. Furthermore, it specifies that during engine ground running, the control column should be held firmly against the forward horizontal stabiliser control stops, and the horizontal stabiliser gust lock should not be fitted during such ground runs (Section 11/91 DM). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs are clear and specific. Owners and operators of GAF N22 and N24 series aeroplanes must comply with these requirements to ensure the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft. Specifically, they are required to remove any existing placards related to engine ground running practices and install the new placard as directed, ensuring it is prominently displayed in a location fully visible to the pilot. Additionally, they must follow the specified procedures during engine ground running, such as setting the flaps at 0 degrees, holding the control column firmly against the forward horizontal stabiliser control stops, and ensuring the horizontal stabiliser gust lock is not fitted during this process. The compliance with these directives is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. In terms of penalties and consequences for non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly outline specific penalties for breaches of this directive within the provided text. However, it is understood that non-compliance with airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority can lead to severe civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, while criminal penalties could result in imprisonment. The severity of these penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, as well as any resulting harm or risk to safety. Therefore, it is imperative for operators and owners to adhere strictly to the directives to avoid any potential legal repercussions.