AD/INST/38 - LITEF GmbH LCR-88 Attitude and Heading Reference System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. As part of these regulations, AD/INST/38 was introduced to address specific safety concerns regarding the Litef GmbH LCR-88 Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) used in aircraft. This directive was issued in response to identified issues with certain software versions of the AHRU, particularly Software Version 0202, which was found to send incorrect scaling of angular rate outputs. The policy objective is to ensure the airworthiness of the aircraft by mandating the reprogramming of the AHRU computer module software, as outlined in Litef GmbH Service Bulletin 121319-34-003 Revision 1 dated 22 October 1993, to correct the identified anomaly. Compliance with this directive was required prior to 31 August 1994 to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the faulty software version. The directive applies to specific Litef GmbH LCR-88 AHRU part numbers (121319-0011, 121319-0111, 121319-1010, and 121319-1032) that have Software Version 0202 incorporated. The reprogramming of the AHRU computer module software is essential to ensure the accuracy of angular rate outputs, thereby maintaining the integrity of flight operations and enhancing overall aviation safety. The directive references German LBA AD 93-240 Litef, indicating alignment with international safety standards and practices.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, governs the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for certain aircraft components. In this context, AD/INST/38 pertains to the Litef GmbH LCR-88 Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRU) with specific part numbers and software versions. The directive applies to AHRUs with the part numbers 121319-0011, 121319-0111, 121319-1010, and 121319-1032 that incorporate Software Version 0202. This requirement mandates the reprogramming of the AHRU computer module software as per Litef GmbH Service Bulletin 121319-34-003 Revision 1 dated 22 October 1993, to correct an identified anomaly in the scaling of angular rate outputs. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 31 August 1994, ensuring that the specified AHRUs are updated to maintain airworthiness standards. This directive is applicable nationally, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and any non-compliance may result in operational restrictions or penalties for the aircraft operators or owners.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, mandates specific safety directives for aircraft operating in Australia. Section 107 of this Part pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. AD/INST/38, which concerns the Litef GmbH LCR-88 Attitude and Heading Reference System, is a critical directive under this section. The directive applies to certain Litef GmbH LCR-88 Attitude Heading Reference Units (AHRU) with specific part numbers and a particular software version, namely Software Version 0202. These part numbers include 121319-0011, 121319-0111, 121319-1010, and 121319-1032. The requirement set forth in this directive is to reprogramme the AHRU computer module software according to Litef GmbH Service Bulletin 121319-34-003 Revision 1 dated 22 October 1993. This reprogramming is necessary to correct an identified anomaly where the software sends incorrect scaling of angular rate outputs. Operators and entities governed by these regulations are obligated to ensure compliance with AD/INST/38. Specifically, they must reprogramme the AHRU computer module software as specified by the directive. This requirement is crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of the aircraft systems in question. Operators must act in accordance with the directive and ensure that the reprogramming is completed prior to the specified deadline of 31 August 1994. Non-compliance with this directive could result in significant safety risks, as the incorrect scaling of angular rate outputs can adversely affect the aircraft's navigation and control systems. Failure to adhere to the provisions of AD/INST/38 can result in various consequences, both civil and criminal. While the regulations do not explicitly state penalties, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to severe repercussions, including potential grounding of the affected aircraft, fines, and legal action against the operators. The gravity of the consequences underscores the importance of timely and accurate compliance with the directive. CASA has the authority to enforce these regulations, and any breach can lead to enforcement actions, including but not limited to, administrative penalties and legal proceedings against the non-compliant entities.