AD/INST/39 - Altimeters Manufactured By CATIC

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, addresses the issue of ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft equipment, particularly altimeters manufactured by China National Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), which are known to be installed in various Skyfox Aviation aircraft. The problem this legislation was introduced to address is the occurrence of erroneous altitude indications from these altimeters, which pose significant safety risks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued this directive to ensure that these altimeters are calibrated correctly and that any failures are promptly reported. The objective of this regulation is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by ensuring that altimeters meet specific calibration requirements and that any defects are addressed through the established reporting mechanisms. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Australian Parliament and are administered by CASA. The policy objective of these regulations is to ensure the safety of civil aviation by mandating regular calibration of altimeters manufactured by CATIC and requiring the reporting of any major defects. This legislative instrument aims to mitigate the risks associated with erroneous altitude readings by establishing clear timelines for calibration and reporting, thus enhancing the overall safety and reliability of aircraft operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 107 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, mandates the calibration of altimeters manufactured by China National Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC). These directives apply to all altimeters produced by CATIC, which often lack any manufacturer identification or markings on the instrument case or face, and are known to be installed in various Skyfox Aviation aircraft series. The geographic reach of these regulations extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring compliance with national aviation safety standards. Compliance must be achieved by calibrating the altimeters according to the guidelines set forth in CAO 108.56 and raising major defect reports for any failed instruments as per CAR 51B. The calibration intervals are set at no more than 12 calendar months after installation or the last compliance check, depending on the specific circumstances of the installation and previous compliance history. The regulations also allow for the extension or restriction of application through subordinate instruments, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in addressing emerging safety issues.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 107, mandate specific requirements for altimeters manufactured by China National Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), as detailed in AD/INST/39 (paragraph 1). This legislation applies to all altimeters produced by CATIC, which are known for lacking any manufacturer identification or markings on the instrument case or face. These altimeters are primarily associated with certain Skyfox Aviation aircraft models, including the CA21, CA22A, CA22A/25, CA25, and CA25N series. The primary requirement outlined is the calibration of these altimeters in accordance with CAO 108.56 (paragraph 1). Additionally, any failed instrument must trigger a Major Defect Report as per CAR 51B (paragraph 1). To ensure compliance, the regulations specify different calibration schedules depending on the status of the altimeter at the time of enactment. For altimeters not yet installed in an aircraft, calibration must occur before the initial installation and then every 12 months thereafter (paragraph 2). Altimeters already installed but not compliant with AD/INST/8 in the previous 12 months must be calibrated before 1 August 1996, and then every 12 months (paragraph 2). Lastly, altimeters installed in aircraft that have complied with AD/INST/8 in the previous 12 months must be calibrated within 12 months of that compliance and then every 12 months (paragraph 2). The underlying reason for these requirements stems from reports of CATIC altimeters providing erroneous altitude readings (paragraph 1). Non-compliance with the regulations could lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these directives, and failure to adhere to the specified calibration schedules and reporting requirements could result in legal and operational repercussions. The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations could include fines and other sanctions as stipulated under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (paragraphs 3 and 4). These provisions are critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of altimeters in Australian airspace.