AD/INST/26 - Navomatic 200A Automatic Pilot Computer - Amplifier Nav Input - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39, encompass a range of provisions designed to ensure the safety and reliability of civil aviation operations in Australia. Specifically, the 1998 Regulations include Airworthiness Directives, such as AD/INST/26, which addresses the modification of the Navomatic 200A Automatic Pilot Computer's amplifier input. This directive was introduced to address potential safety concerns associated with the computer-amplifiers of the ARC CA-295B model, particularly those up to serial number 3550, when they are connected to navigation signals that carry a significant DC voltage from earth. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as the enacting body, issued this directive to mandate the compliance with specified engineering bulletins or service letters to mitigate any risk within 200 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 31 January 1979. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by ensuring that aircraft components meet the required standards for reliable operation.

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, which includes AD/INST/26 concerning the Navamatic 200A Automatic Pilot Computer's amplifier nav input. This legislation applies to ARC CA-295B computer-amplifiers up to serial number 3550 that are connected to a navigation signal with a significant DC voltage from earth. The directive mandates compliance within 200 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979. The regulations are enforceable across the Commonwealth, applying to all relevant aircraft and automatic pilots within Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the directive itself, though the scope is narrowly defined by the specified equipment and conditions. The directive may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 107, include a schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/INST/26, pertains specifically to the modification of the Navomatic 200A Automatic Pilot Computer - Amplifier Nav Input (sections 39-107.050 and 39-107.070). This directive applies to ARC CA-295B computer-amplifiers up to serial number 3550 that connect to navigation signals with significant DC voltage from earth (section 39-107.050). Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 200 hours of time in service after 31 January 1979, as specified in the document (section 39-107.070). The obligations imposed by this directive require aircraft owners or operators to ensure that the specified computer-amplifiers undergo the required modification. This involves updating the amplifier to accept voltages of up to plus 8 volts, as outlined in either ARC Field Engineering Service Bulletin 211 or Cessna Avionics Service Letter AV78-28. These documents provide the technical details and procedures necessary to complete the modification correctly and safely. By adhering to these directives, operators help mitigate the risk of electrical failures that could compromise the aircraft's navigation and flight safety. Failure to comply with these Airworthiness Directives can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with ADs can be considered an offence. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline specific penalties for breaches of airworthiness directives, which can include substantial fines and imprisonment. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can be up to $200,000 for individuals and $1,000,000 for corporations, as well as potential imprisonment terms, depending on the severity and frequency of the breach. These stringent penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the prescribed safety measures to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of aircraft.