Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety of civil aviation in the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 107 of these regulations, detailing the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the requirement for certain aircraft components to comply with safety standards. This particular legislative instrument, AD/INST/30, focuses on King KAP 100/KAP 150/KFC 150 flight control systems, requiring modifications to the flight computers to ensure they meet specific safety criteria. The policy objective is to mandate modifications to the flight computers of certain aircraft models to include a trim monitor that provides an audible warning upon detecting a trim failure, thereby enhancing flight safety. This directive applies to specific serial numbers of the mentioned aircraft models, necessitating compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1986.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), apply to the specific flight computers used in King KAP 100/KAP 150/KFC 150 aircraft models, specifically those identified by the serial numbers and part numbers listed in the legislation. The regulation mandates compliance with the Airworthiness Directive AD/INST/30 concerning the flight control system, ensuring that an audible warning signal is provided upon detection of a trim failure. This applies to the specified serial numbers of the KC 190, KPN 065-0055, KC 191, KPN 065-0054, and KC 192, KPN 065-0042 parts, with certain exclusions for units with serial numbers above those stated, as they have the required modification incorporated during original manufacturing. The directive is to be complied with within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1986, ensuring the safety and reliability of the flight control systems in the specified aircraft models across Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 107, includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This legislation pertains to flight control systems and mandates specific actions for the maintenance and modification of flight computers on certain aircraft models. Under section AD/INST/30, it focuses on King KAP 100/KAP 150/KFC 150 systems, detailing the applicability and compliance requirements for various flight computers and their serial numbers. The regulations specify that particular flight computers (KC 190, KPN 065-0055-00/-01, and others) must comply with the directive within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1986. The main requirement is the incorporation of King SB KC 190/191/192-9, ensuring that the trim monitor in the flight computer provides an audible warning signal upon detecting a trim failure. The directive also references FAA AD 85-23-07 for additional context. Operators and owners of the affected aircraft must ensure that their flight computers meet these standards. This involves verifying the serial numbers, updating or replacing components as necessary, and conducting the required modifications or inspections within the stipulated timeframe. Compliance is critical to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safe operations. Failure to comply with these Airworthiness Directives can result in significant legal and operational consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include the issuance of a Notice of Unauthorized Modification (NUM), which can halt operations until the aircraft is brought into compliance. Additionally, operators may face fines, and in severe cases, CASA can pursue criminal charges against responsible individuals, leading to imprisonment. The specific penalties can vary based on the severity and intent behind the non-compliance, but they are designed to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations.