Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations within Australia. This legislation, which was introduced to address the need for stringent safety standards and regulations in the aviation sector, is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Part 39 - 107 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provides specific safety directives, including those concerning airworthiness. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain high standards of safety in civil aviation by mandating regular calibration tests for specific airspeed indicators, such as those produced by Filotecnica Salmoiraghi. This ensures that these instruments continue to function accurately and reliably, thereby reducing the risk of aviation accidents or incidents. One such safety directive, AD/INST/24, pertains to the calibration tests for Filotecnica Salmoiraghi airspeed indicators with specified serial and part numbers. This directive was introduced to address potential inaccuracies in airspeed readings, which could compromise flight safety. The requirement for compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1977 ensures that these instruments are regularly checked and maintained to meet safety standards. This legislative measure underscores the commitment to safeguarding lives and property by enforcing rigorous safety protocols within the aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 107, specifically address the calibration of airspeed indicators for certain aircraft, as outlined in AD/INST/24. This regulation applies to airspeed indicators with serial numbers ranging from 0001 to 3800 and specific part numbers including 8.039.003, 8.039.008, and others, ensuring that these devices meet stringent calibration standards. The regulation mandates adherence to either the Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive AD 77-15-10 or the Society of Automotive Engineers Aeronautical Standard AS 391B for pressures and tolerances. Compliance is required within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1977. This legislation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all relevant aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this particular directive, and it applies universally to the specified serial numbers and part numbers of airspeed indicators in the defined timeframe.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 107, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/INST/24) specifically pertain to the calibration of Filotecnica Salmoiraghi airspeed indicators. Section 39.107 mandates that airspeed indicators with specific serial numbers (S/No. 0001 to 3800) and part numbers (8.039.003, 8.039.008, 12/778.039.008.1, etc.) must comply with either the Federal Aviation Administration's AD 77-15-10 or the Society of Automotive Engineers' Aeronautical Standard AS 391B. Compliance must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1977. These requirements ensure that the airspeed indicators are correctly calibrated, providing accurate readings essential for safe flight operations. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties governed by these regulations. Aircraft operators must ensure that their Filotecnica Salmoiraghi airspeed indicators fall within the specified serial and part numbers. They must perform the calibration tests as per the FAA AD 77-15-10 or SAE Aeronautical Standard AS 391B within the stipulated timeframe of 100 hours after 31 December 1977. Failure to adhere to these obligations can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thereby preventing it from flying until the necessary compliance measures are undertaken. In the event of non-compliance, the regulations impose both civil and criminal consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, which, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, can be significant. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be substantial, often reaching up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals. Additionally, criminal charges may be brought against those responsible for the non-compliance, leading to potential imprisonment. The seriousness of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew aboard the aircraft.