AD/HS 125/62 - Landing Gear Emergency Selector - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, established by the Commonwealth of Australia, is an integral piece of legislation designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. This regulatory framework, enacted by the Australian Parliament, is aimed at addressing safety issues and maintaining high standards in the aviation industry. One of the key objectives of these regulations is to mandate airworthiness directives, such as the one related to the British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes, which were intended to rectify specific safety concerns. However, certain directives, like AD/HS 125/62 concerning the landing gear emergency selector, have been removed from active listings when the referenced aircraft model is no longer registered, reflecting the dynamic nature of the regulations as they adapt to the current fleet and safety needs.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as part of the legislative instrument F2006B10502, govern the safety standards and operational requirements for civil aviation in Australia. This regulation applies to all persons, entities, and industries involved in civil aviation, including aircraft manufacturers, operators, pilots, and maintenance personnel. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of these regulations is national, applying uniformly across all states and territories of Australia. The specific Airworthiness Directive referenced, AD/HS 125/62, originally pertained to the British Aerospace BAe 125 Series Aeroplanes and required modifications to the landing gear emergency selector. However, this particular directive has been removed from the schedule as the aircraft model is no longer on the register. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may be extended or restricted in application through subordinate instruments, ensuring that the rules are kept up-to-date with technological advancements and safety findings.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (paragraph 105.001), mandates the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. In this context, AD/HS 125/62 pertains to the modification of the landing gear emergency selector for British Aerospace BAe 125 Series aeroplanes. While the directive has been removed due to the aircraft model not being on the register, the provisions illustrate how ADs function and their importance in maintaining aircraft safety standards. The directive would typically detail modifications or actions required to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. The obligations imposed by such an AD include ensuring that aircraft operators and maintenance personnel are aware of the directive and comply with any specified modifications or actions. For the BAe 125 Series aeroplanes, this would involve inspecting the landing gear emergency selector and implementing any required modifications as specified by the AD. CASA may also require operators to demonstrate compliance through maintenance logs, certification, or other documentation to prove adherence to the AD. Failure to comply with an AD can lead to serious consequences. Under section 973 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with an AD can result in civil penalties. The maximum penalty for an individual is $162,000 and for a body corporate, the penalty can reach up to $810,000. Furthermore, non-compliance can also lead to the grounding of the aircraft, potentially disrupting operations and incurring additional costs. Additionally, serious breaches may result in criminal charges, with potential imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight or operation of the non-compliant aircraft.