COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Instruments and Automatic Pilots
AD/INST/36 Collins ALI-80( ) Barometric Altimeter 2/89
Applicability: All ALI-80 (P/N 622-2292-001 to -008),
ALI-80A (P/N 622-3975-001 to -008),
ALI-80B (P/N 622-4425-001 to -008),
ALI-80L (P/N 622-6238-001 to -008), and
ALI-80M (P/N 622-2701-001)
barometric altimeters which do not have SB21 marked out on the unit modification chart.
Requirement: Action in accordance with Collins ALI-80( ) SB21. Compliance: Prior to 31 August 1989.
Background: Overheating of the Digital Servo Module can occur which may cause smoke in the cockpit.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the Civil Aviation Amendment (Airworthiness and Other Matters) Regulations 2006, introduced specific safety measures for aviation equipment to enhance safety standards across the industry. One such amendment pertains to airworthiness directives for Collins ALI-80 series barometric altimeters, specifically addressing a known issue where overheating of the Digital Servo Module can lead to smoke in the cockpit. This legislation was enacted to ensure that such safety concerns are systematically addressed and rectified to prevent potential hazards during flight operations. The objective of this regulatory amendment is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that all relevant equipment complies with necessary modifications and operational standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The Australian Government, through the Parliament, established these regulations to fill a critical gap in ensuring the safety and reliability of aviation equipment. The policy objective of these regulations is to mandate compliance with specific airworthiness directives, ensuring that all applicable aircraft components meet safety standards and are regularly maintained and updated. By doing so, the regulations aim to protect passengers, crew, and the general public from the risks associated with malfunctioning aviation equipment.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, encompasses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, including AD/INST/36 concerning Collins ALI-80 barometric altimeters. This regulation applies to all Collins ALI-80, ALI-80A, ALI-80B, ALI-80L, and ALI-80M barometric altimeters that do not have SB21 marked on their unit modification chart. The directive mandates compliance with Collins ALI-80 SB21 to address the issue of overheating in the Digital Servo Module, which may result in smoke within the cockpit. The regulation is applicable to any person or entity operating aircraft in Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft equipment meets the specified safety standards to prevent hazardous conditions during flight. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions to this directive, and compliance must be achieved prior to 31 August 1989. The scope of this legislation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments as necessary to maintain aviation safety standards.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 107, include specific provisions for Airworthiness Directives (ADs) concerning various aviation instruments and systems. In this context, AD/INST/36 pertains to the Collins ALI-80 series barometric altimeters (sections 107.030 and 107.040). This directive requires that all specified ALI-80 series barometric altimeters, excluding those marked with SB21 on the unit modification chart, must comply with Collins ALI-80( ) SB21. This means that any of these altimeters in service must adhere to the specified modification to prevent potential overheating issues that could lead to smoke in the cockpit.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties governed by it. Operators and owners of aircraft equipped with the specified Collins ALI-80 series barometric altimeters must ensure that these instruments comply with the requirements outlined in AD/INST/36. This involves verifying the presence or absence of the SB21 modification and implementing any necessary corrective actions as per the service bulletin. Additionally, aircraft maintenance personnel must be adequately trained and authorised to perform the required modifications or inspections, ensuring adherence to the specified standards.
Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/INST/36 could result in serious safety hazards, potentially leading to criminal or civil penalties. Under section 107.060 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with ADs can result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations is significant, with potential fines and imprisonment for individuals and corporate entities. CASA may also take measures such as grounding the aircraft, imposing operational restrictions, or revoking the airworthiness certificate if the required compliance is not achieved.
In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandate specific actions for the Collins ALI-80 series barometric altimeters to mitigate safety risks associated with overheating. Operators and maintenance personnel must adhere to these requirements, ensuring that all affected altimeters are modified or inspected as per the directive. Non-compliance not only poses safety risks but also carries substantial penalties, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the regulations.