AD/GENERAL/53 - Flight Data Recorder Underwater Locating Device - Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, introduced Airworthiness Directive AD/GENERAL/53 to address safety concerns associated with flight data recorders in certain aircraft. This directive was enacted to ensure that all aircraft with a maximum take-off weight exceeding 5700 kg, which are turbine-powered or first certificated in their country of origin on or after 1 January 1965, and are equipped with an approved flight data recorder, must install an approved underwater locating device. The requirement is to ensure the device is installed in such a way that it remains intact and functional even after a crash impact, enhancing the potential for recovery and analysis of critical flight data. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) with the policy objective of improving aviation safety by facilitating the retrieval of flight data recorders from underwater crash sites.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/GENERAL/53, pertains to the installation of an approved underwater locating device on flight data recorders for certain aircraft. This directive applies to all aircraft with a maximum take-off weight exceeding 5700 kg that are either turbine powered or of a type first certificated in their country of origin on or after 1 January 1965 and are equipped with an approved flight data recorder. The requirement is that an approved underwater locating device must be installed on the flight data recorder in such a manner that it is not likely to be separated during a crash impact, with compliance mandated before 1 January 1979. Acceptable performance standards for these underwater locating devices are outlined in Advisory Circular AC No. 21-10, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States of America. The regulations set forth in this directive are applicable on a national level, governing the standards and safety measures for the aviation industry within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) that mandates the installation of an approved underwater locating device on flight data recorders for certain aircraft (AD/GENERAL/53). This requirement applies to all aircraft with a maximum take-off weight exceeding 5700 kg that are either turbine-powered or first certificated in their country of origin on or after 1 January 1965 (AD/GENERAL/53 Applicability). The installation must ensure that the device is not likely to separate from the flight data recorder during a crash impact (AD/GENERAL/53 Requirement). Compliance with this directive was expected before 1 January 1979. The AD imposes specific obligations on the owners and operators of the affected aircraft. They must ensure that an approved underwater locating device is installed on the flight data recorder according to the standards set out in the directive. This involves procuring a device that meets the performance criteria outlined in Advisory Circular AC No. 21-10 issued by the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States of America. Furthermore, the installation must be carried out in such a way that the device remains securely attached to the flight data recorder during a crash, facilitating easier recovery post-accident. Failure to comply with the requirements of the AD can result in significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the AD itself, general civil aviation regulations often include provisions for fines, enforcement actions, and potential grounding of non-compliant aircraft. The severity of these penalties can vary, but they are designed to ensure that the safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Regulations are upheld. Non-compliance not only risks financial penalties but could also impact the airworthiness certification of the aircraft, thereby affecting its operational status.