AD/GENERAL/54 - Magnetic Compasses Fitted in Compliance with ANO 20.18 - Calibration

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, address the safety and operational standards of aircraft through Airworthiness Directives. The AD/GENERAL/54 directive focuses on magnetic compasses fitted in compliance with ANO 20.18, which requires calibration before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness. This legislation was introduced to ensure that all aircraft certified post-31 July 1978 meet precise standards of navigation safety, thereby mitigating potential risks associated with uncalibrated magnetic compasses. The directive aims to maintain high safety standards and was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure compliance with the Australian National Aviation Order (ANO) 108.6. This legislative instrument, therefore, serves to uphold the stringent requirements for the airworthiness of aircraft in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 and Airworthiness Directives AD/GENERAL/54, apply to all aircraft intended for certification after 31 July 1978, ensuring that magnetic compasses fitted in compliance with Airworthiness Directive ANO 20.18 are calibrated appropriately. This requirement is integral for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, and it applies to all entities involved in the certification and maintenance of aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia. Compliance must be demonstrated before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness, thereby encompassing all aircraft manufacturers, maintenance providers, and operators within its scope. The regulations extend their jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth, ensuring a uniform standard of airworthiness and safety is adhered to throughout the nation. Exclusions and exemptions are not explicitly stated in this particular directive; however, the overarching regulations may provide for specific exclusions or exemptions in different contexts. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, ensuring the adaptability of the regulations to new technological advancements and safety considerations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (ADs), which detail specific requirements for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Within this regulatory framework, AD/GENERAL/54 pertains to magnetic compasses fitted in compliance with Airworthiness Notice (ANO) 20.18. This directive applies to all aircraft intended for certification after 31 July 1978 (section 39-105). According to this directive, the calibration of magnetic compasses must comply with the provisions outlined in ANO 108.6. The requirement is that compliance with these standards must be achieved before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness (section 39-105(1)). The obligations imposed by AD/GENERAL/54 on aircraft manufacturers, operators, and other relevant parties are clear and specific. Manufacturers must ensure that magnetic compasses installed in aircraft after 31 July 1978 are calibrated in accordance with ANO 108.6. This involves conducting thorough calibration checks to ensure that the compasses provide accurate and reliable readings under all expected operational conditions. Aircraft operators and maintenance providers must also ensure that any magnetic compasses in their aircraft meet these standards before any flight operations are conducted and before an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness is issued or renewed. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/GENERAL/54 can lead to significant consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with ADs can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Specifically, if an aircraft is operated without meeting the airworthiness standards outlined in AD/GENERAL/54, the operator may face fines and potential imprisonment. The regulations stipulate that non-compliance can result in a penalty of up to $275,000 for corporations and up to $55,000 for individuals, in addition to possible imprisonment terms. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the ADs to maintain the highest safety standards in aviation operations.