AD/INST/12 - SEP 6 Automatic Pilot Roll Computer Clutch Circuit - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted in 1998 by the Australian Parliament, serve to regulate various aspects of civil aviation operations within Australia, ensuring safety and compliance with international standards. Within these regulations, Part 39 specifically addresses airworthiness directives that mandate the safety and maintenance of aircraft. The legislative instrument F2006B10813, introduced as AD/INST/12, pertains to automatic pilots, specifically addressing modifications to the clutch circuit of the SEP 6 automatic pilot roll computer. This directive was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the roll computer's clutch circuit, ensuring that any potential risks are mitigated to maintain the safety of civil aviation operations. The policy objective behind these regulations is to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and to ensure the reliability of aircraft systems through mandatory compliance with specified directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, with AD/INST/12 SEP 6 addressing the modification of the clutch circuit in the Automatic Pilot Roll Computer 83SUE3. This directive applies to any aircraft equipped with the specified SEP 6 roll computer as referenced in Smiths SB 22-778. The regulation targets the automatic pilots within the aviation industry, ensuring compliance with safety standards after a specified period of operation. The directive mandates compliance within 3000 hours of time in service following 30 April 1975. The scope of this legislation is national, as it falls under the Commonwealth of Australia's regulatory framework. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and the regulation's application is extended through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/INST/12 SEP 6, mandate modifications to the automatic pilot roll computer clutch circuit for the SEP 6 roll computer 83SUE3. As per section 2/75, this directive applies to aircraft equipped with the Smiths SB 22-778 document, requiring compliance within 3000 hours of time in service following 30 April 1975. This means that any aircraft meeting these criteria must undergo the specified modifications to ensure airworthiness standards are maintained. To comply with these regulations, aircraft operators and owners must ensure that the modifications to the automatic pilot roll computer clutch circuit are carried out by authorised personnel or entities. This includes verifying that the work is performed in accordance with the relevant technical standards and specifications outlined in the Smiths SB 22-778 document. Operators need to maintain accurate records of all modifications, including dates and details of the work performed, to demonstrate compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations. Failure to comply with the provisions set out in AD/INST/12 SEP 6 can result in severe consequences. Non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, potentially resulting in grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. Furthermore, operators found in breach of these regulations could face significant penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. The maximum penalties for such violations may vary, but they are intended to ensure stringent adherence to aviation safety standards. These measures underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated timelines and requirements to maintain the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.