AD/HS 748/4 - Door Sill and Secondary Lock Mechanism Micro Switches

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, include a legislative instrument (F2006B10570) concerning the airworthiness directives for British Aerospace (Hawker Siddeley) HS 748 Series Aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Government, this legislation aims to address safety concerns related to the door sill and secondary lock mechanism micro switches of HS 748 aircraft. The objective is to ensure these components are periodically inspected to maintain airworthiness standards and prevent potential safety hazards. The directive requires inspections at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours of service time, effective from 8 December 1994, aligning with the Accomplishment Instructions provided by British Aerospace Aircraft Group. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has implemented this directive to mitigate risks associated with the micro switches of the crew/freight, passenger, and baggage doors, including large freight doors. By mandating regular inspections in accordance with the British Aerospace Service Bulletin 52/106 dated November 1982, the legislation seeks to uphold stringent safety protocols within the aviation industry. This proactive measure is aimed at ensuring the ongoing airworthiness of HS 748 aircraft, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and cargo from potential mechanical failures.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the British Aerospace (Hawker Siddeley) HS 748 Series Aeroplanes, with the directive AD/HS 748/4 focusing on the door sill and secondary lock mechanism micro switches. This legislation applies to all HS 748 aircraft and mandates that all door sill and secondary lock mechanism micro switches must be inspected in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions specified by British Aerospace Aircraft Group, Manchester Division HS 748 Service Bulletin 52/106 dated November 1982. This requirement is to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft by verifying the integrity of these components. The inspections are to be conducted at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours of time in service, with the directive becoming effective as of 8 December 1994. The directive references CAA(UK) AD 001-01-83, indicating a collaborative approach to airworthiness standards between Australian and UK aviation authorities. This legislative instrument operates on a national level within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all HS 748 aircraft operating within the country must adhere to the specified inspection requirements. The directive does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, implying that all aircraft of the specified series are subject to the regulation. The periodic inspections mandated by this directive are crucial for maintaining the safety standards of the aircraft, and compliance is monitored by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope and application of this directive are enforced nationally, and there are no specific exclusions or thresholds outlined in the text provided, indicating a broad and comprehensive approach to ensuring the airworthiness of HS 748 aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, Section 105, mandates specific requirements for the maintenance and inspection of certain aircraft, with a focus on the British Aerospace (Hawker Siddeley) HS 748 Series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/HS 748/4, applies to all HS 748 aircraft and necessitates that all door sill and secondary lock mechanism micro switches be inspected in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions detailed in British Aerospace Aircraft Group, Manchester Division HS 748 Service Bulletin 52/106 dated November 1982. This directive references CAA(UK) AD 001-01-83, ensuring alignment with relevant United Kingdom regulations. The obligations imposed by this legislation require operators of HS 748 aircraft to conduct thorough inspections of the specified micro switches. These inspections must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 1000 hours of service time, with the directive coming into effect on 8 December 1994. The directive underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the door sill and secondary lock mechanism micro switches, which are crucial for the safety of the crew, passengers, and freight on board. This periodic inspection is a critical aspect of the aircraft's safety regime, ensuring that all components related to door operation and security are functioning correctly. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/HS 748/4 could result in significant civil and criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Such actions may include the issuance of directives, fines, and in severe cases, the grounding of aircraft. The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations can be substantial, reflecting the serious nature of ensuring the safety of aviation operations. Operators are, therefore, obligated to adhere strictly to the outlined inspection intervals and procedures to avoid these repercussions.