AD/HS 125/156 - Control Cable Assemblies at Keel Subframe 15A

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, is a comprehensive set of rules governing civil aviation safety. One specific legislative instrument under this act, F2006B10437, addresses safety concerns related to British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to address the problem of chafing of control cables due to insufficient clearance between the flaps turnbuckle, airbrakes cable, and the keel subframe 15A, which could result in fraying or seizing of cables and consequently lead to a restriction or possible loss of flight controls. The policy objective behind this instrument is to ensure the safety of these aircraft by mandating an inspection of the control cable assemblies at the keel subframe, in accordance with Hawker Service Bulletin 27-168, to prevent any potential hazards that could compromise flight safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority schedules airworthiness directives such as AD/HS 125/156 to provide clear and specific requirements for the inspection and maintenance of critical components on BAe 125 series 1000A and 1000B, and Hawker 1000 aircraft. These directives ensure that operators adhere to strict safety standards, as outlined in relevant service bulletins and amendments, to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and protect the safety of passengers and crew. The requirement to inspect the control cable assemblies before a specified compliance date underscores the urgency and importance of addressing this safety issue.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, apply to British Aerospace BAe 125 series aeroplanes, including the BAe 125 series 1000A and 1000B, and Hawker 1000 aircraft, as identified in Hawker Service Bulletin 27-168. This regulation mandates an inspection requirement in accordance with the specified service bulletin to address the issue of chafing between the flaps turnbuckle, airbrakes cable, and the subframe, which could potentially lead to fraying or seizing of cables, resulting in a restriction or loss of flight controls. The directive applies on a Commonwealth level, and the compliance date set is before 15 December 1996, unless the required inspection has already been completed. This regulatory action is an integral part of ensuring the safety standards in civil aviation are upheld within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 105, mandate specific safety directives for the maintenance and operation of British Aerospace BAe 125 Series aeroplanes, particularly focusing on control cable assemblies at Keel Subframe 15A (AD/HS 125/156). This directive applies to Model BAe 125 series 1000A and 1000B, as well as Hawker 1000 aircraft, as identified in Hawker Service Bulletin 27-168. The main requirement stipulated in this directive is that these aircraft must undergo an inspection in accordance with the specified service bulletin (Section 105). The inspection is crucial to address reports of chafing due to insufficient clearance between the flaps turnbuckle and the subframe, and between the airbrakes cable and the subframe. This chafing can lead to fraying or seizing of the cables, potentially resulting in a restriction or complete loss of flight controls. For parties and entities governed by these regulations, compliance is mandatory and non-negotiable. Owners and operators of the specified aircraft must ensure that the required inspection is carried out unless it has already been completed (Section 105). This requirement underscores the importance of proactive maintenance to prevent potential hazards that could compromise flight safety. Failure to comply with this directive could result in serious consequences for both the operators and the passengers of the aircraft. Breaching the provisions of these regulations can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. Section 105 imposes strict obligations, and any non-compliance may be subject to penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the legislative instrument, it is clear that non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can result in enforcement actions, fines, or other sanctions as per the overarching Civil Aviation Act 1988. In severe cases, failure to adhere to these safety directives could lead to criminal charges, particularly if the non-compliance results in a safety incident or accident. Therefore, it is imperative for all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the mandated inspection procedures to avoid any legal or safety-related consequences.