AD/GENERAL/47 - 3 Pointer Type Altimeters

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through the legislative instrument F2006B10278, are designed to address the safety and regulatory needs within Australia’s civil aviation sector. Specifically, this legislation targets the maintenance and operational standards of altimeters in pressurised aircraft, ensuring they meet the stringent safety requirements outlined in the Air Navigation Orders. The primary objective is to mitigate risks associated with altitude readings and prevent incidents related to altitude mismanagement, thereby enhancing overall flight safety. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, these regulations underscore the commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation, with the overarching policy goal being to safeguard passengers, crew, and the general public by enforcing rigorous compliance with specified aviation safety directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establishes stringent requirements for airworthiness directives applicable to all pressurised aircraft operating within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations mandate that all pressurised aircraft must be equipped with three pointer type altimeters that adhere to the standards set forth in the Air Navigation Orders Section 20.18. The altimeters must either comply with Air Navigation Orders Section 103.4 or incorporate a US military standard MS.28044 type presentation, featuring a warning section visible for all indications up to but not exceeding 10,000 feet, an analogue line starting at zero feet, and a fine line extending from the tip of the 10,000 foot pointer to the outer triangular marker, not exceeding 0.5 mm or 0.018 inch in width. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved before 28 January 1972. The scope of this legislation extends across all pressurised aircraft operating within Australia, ensuring uniformity in safety standards and operational procedures. While the regulations provide explicit requirements, no exclusions or exemptions are specified within the text, implying that all pressurised aircraft are subject to these provisions without exception.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the requirements for pressurised aircraft altimeters through AD/GENERAL/47. This directive applies to all pressurised aircraft and mandates that the altimeters installed in such aircraft must comply with specific standards to ensure safety. According to section 1/72, the altimeters must either adhere to the requirements of Air Navigation Orders Section 20.18 or have a US military standard MS.28044 type presentation. The latter must include a warning section visible for all indications up to but not exceeding 10,000 feet, an analogue line commencing at zero feet, and a fine line extending from the tip of the 10,000-foot pointer to the outer triangular marker, with the line not exceeding 0.5 mm or 0.018 inch in width. These requirements impose significant obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. Aircraft operators must ensure that their pressurised aircraft are equipped with altimeters that meet the specified standards. Maintenance personnel must verify that the installed altimeters comply with either the Air Navigation Orders Section 20.18 or the US military standard MS.28044 type presentation. Compliance must be achieved before 28 January 1972, and any non-compliance could lead to severe consequences. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in AD/GENERAL/47 could result in various civil and criminal penalties. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to take enforcement actions against operators and maintenance personnel who do not adhere to these standards. Potential consequences include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, and other regulatory sanctions. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the directive, the seriousness of the requirements suggests that significant penalties could be imposed for non-compliance. It is crucial for all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to these safety directives to avoid any adverse outcomes.