Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, provides a comprehensive legal framework governing all aspects of civil aviation within Australia. The legislation aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation's airspace, setting out rules for aircraft operations, pilot licensing, maintenance, and numerous other aviation-related activities. One particular issue addressed by the regulations is the maintenance and airworthiness of aircraft, which is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The authority issues Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety of aircraft operations, as seen in AD/HS 125/160, which mandates specific actions for British Aerospace BAe 125 series aeroplanes to prevent potential safety hazards. The policy objective of these directives is to maintain and enhance aviation safety by addressing identified risks through regulatory action.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive AD/HS 125/160 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to all Model BAe 125 series 1000A and 1000B, and Model Hawker 1000 series aeroplanes. This directive is issued to address safety concerns identified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in relation to the P1 pitot pipes chafing against flight control cables. The directive outlines specific requirements aimed at ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft. Firstly, a one-time general visual inspection of the P1 pitot pipes must be conducted to detect any chafing or damage, followed by ensuring a clearance of 0.25 inch or more exists between the P1 pitot pipes and flight control cables. If damage is found, the affected pitot pipes and potentially damaged flight control cables must be replaced and the system tested for proper function. The compliance requirements mandate that inspections and actions be undertaken within specific timeframes, namely within 150 hours time in service from the directive's effective date for the initial inspection, and before further flight for subsequent actions. The directive's scope is enforced across the Commonwealth, ensuring consistent application and adherence to safety standards within Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), contains various directives that ensure the safety of civil aviation. One such directive, AD/HS 125/160, pertains specifically to British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes. This directive, effective from 24 February 2000, mandates actions to address the unsafe condition of chafing or damage to the P1 pitot pipes and flight control cables. The directive applies to all Model BAe 125 series 1000A and 1000B, and Model Hawker 1000 series aeroplanes. The directive requires operators to perform a one-time general visual inspection of the P1 pitot pipes to detect any chafing or damage, in accordance with Raytheon Service Bulletin SB.34-3028 dated January 1998. A general visual inspection involves examining the area for obvious damage, failure, or irregularity under normal lighting conditions. If no chafing or damage is detected, operators must ensure that a clearance of at least 0.25 inches exists between the P1 pitot pipes and the flight control cables. If the clearance is less than 0.25 inches, the P1 pitot pipes must be repositioned to achieve the required clearance. If chafing or damage is detected, the affected pitot pipe must be replaced with a new one, and the same clearance requirement applies. Additionally, operators must inspect the flight control cables adjacent to the damaged pitot pipe area for any damage and replace them if necessary, in accordance with Chapter 20-10-31 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual. A test of the P1 pitot system must also be conducted to ensure proper function, and corrective actions must be taken if the system fails the test, as specified in Chapter 34-11-00 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual. The obligations imposed on operators by this directive include conducting the specified inspections and tests within the stipulated timeframes. Specifically, the visual inspection of the P1 pitot pipes must be performed within 150 hours of time in service from the effective date of the directive. For the remaining requirements, they must be addressed before further flight. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in safety risks, including potential erroneous input to the instrumentation and warning systems associated with the pilot’s instruments. Non-compliance with the Airworthiness Directive may lead to civil or criminal consequences, although specific penalties are not outlined in the directive itself. Generally, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, breaches of Civil Aviation Regulations can result in significant penalties. Civil penalties may include fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties can include imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the discretion of the court.