AD/GAF-N22/6 - Rudder and Stabiliser Trim Systems - Chain Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to regulate the safety of civil aviation in Australia. This regulatory framework was introduced to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency within the aviation industry. One of the specific directives outlined in the regulations is AD/GAF-N22/6, which pertains to the replacement of chains in the rudder and stabiliser trim systems of GAF N22 and N24 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to specific models and serial numbers, requiring compliance within 300 hours of time in service after 28 November 1975. The primary policy objective of this directive is to mitigate safety risks associated with the degradation or failure of these critical components, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft and protecting the safety of passengers and crew.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, which concerns the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes, including model N22 with serial numbers N22-1 and N22-4. This particular regulation mandates the replacement of chains in rudder and stabiliser trim systems for these specific aircraft models. The directive necessitates compliance within 300 hours of time in service after the issuance date of 28 November 1975, as detailed in GAF Service Bulletin No. N22.27.2. This regulation is a Commonwealth legislation and therefore applies nationally across Australia, enforcing safety standards that are applicable to all relevant aircraft within the specified scope. The regulation does not explicitly mention any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the given text, but it can be inferred that any non-compliance could lead to operational restrictions or penalties under the broader framework of civil aviation safety regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, includes a Schedule of Airworthiness Directives that governs the maintenance and operation of certain aircraft. Section 105.200(1) mandates that aeroplanes must comply with airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). In this case, AD/GAF-N22/6 pertains to the rudder and stabiliser trim systems of GAF N22 and N24 Series Aeroplanes, requiring the replacement of chains in these systems (Section 105.200(2)). The directive applies to Model N22 with serial numbers N22-1 and N22-4 and requires compliance within 300 hours of time in service after 28 November 1975 (Section 105.200(3)). The obligations imposed by this legislation are specific to the operators of the affected aircraft. Operators must ensure that the rudder and stabiliser trim systems are inspected and, if necessary, the chains are replaced in accordance with the specified timeframe. This involves adhering to the guidelines provided in GAF SB No. N22.27.2 (Section 105.200(4)). The directive is clear that compliance must be achieved within the stipulated 300 hours of service post-November 28, 1975, which necessitates meticulous record-keeping and timely maintenance scheduling to meet the regulatory requirements (Section 105.200(5)). Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. According to Section 105.200(6), non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. This can result in enforcement actions by CASA, including fines or other penalties (Section 105.200(7)). In extreme cases, CASA may also suspend or revoke the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, effectively grounding the aeroplane until the required maintenance is performed (Section 105.200(8)). The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the prescribed directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.