COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Instruments and Automatic Pilots
AD/INST/7 H14 Automatic Pilot Servo Housing - Inspection 1/71
Applicability: All H14 Automatic Pilots (either King or Honeywell).
Requirement: Inspect the linkage end of pneumatic housing (cylinder), King P/No. 047-2105-00 or Honeywell P/No. 314259, to ensure that no cracking has occurred in the wall of the housing in the areas adjacent to the formed retaining lugs. On servo assemblies which are installed on aircraft it will be sufficient to inspect the lugs on the side nearest to the cable drum only if it is not possible to inspect the remaining lugs without removing the servo from the aircraft.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 26 February 1971.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to regulate the safety and operation of civil aviation in Australia, and to establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Part 39, in particular, provides detailed directives for the airworthiness of aircraft and equipment, ensuring that the aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. The problem this legislation addresses is the need for stringent oversight and maintenance of aviation equipment to prevent incidents caused by equipment failure, thereby ensuring the safety of air travel. The policy objective is clearly stated as the enhancement of aviation safety through rigorous inspection and maintenance requirements.
AD/INST/7 H14 Automatic Pilot Servo Housing - Inspection is an example of this regulatory framework, specifically targeting the inspection of the pneumatic housing in H14 automatic pilots, whether King or Honeywell branded. The requirement to inspect for any cracking in the housing, especially in areas near the retaining lugs, is designed to preemptively identify potential failures that could compromise the safety of the aircraft. The compliance timeline of within 100 hours of service after 26 February 1971 underscores the urgency and importance of adhering to these safety directives.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/INST/7 H14 Automatic Pilot Servo Housing - Inspection, pertains to all H14 Automatic Pilots, irrespective of whether they are of the King or Honeywell variety. The directive mandates that the linkage end of the pneumatic housing, identified as King P/No. 047-2105-00 or Honeywell P/No. 314259, must be inspected to ensure there is no cracking in the wall of the housing near the formed retaining lugs. This inspection is critical to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft utilising these automatic pilots. In cases where the servo assembly is installed on an aircraft, it is acceptable to inspect only the lugs on the side nearest to the cable drum if a complete inspection of all lugs is not feasible without removing the servo from the aircraft. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following 26 February 1971. This requirement ensures that the structural integrity of the automatic pilot servo housing is regularly verified, thereby upholding the stringent safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The applicability of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, imposing a mandatory inspection requirement on all H14 Automatic Pilots. The directive leaves no room for exclusions or exemptions, as its focus is on maintaining the highest safety standards within the civil aviation industry. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, encompassing all aircraft operating within Australia's jurisdiction. Any failure to comply with the specified inspection requirements may result in non-compliance with civil aviation safety regulations, potentially leading to aircraft being grounded until the necessary inspections are performed and any issues are rectified. This regulation is a testament to the commitment to safety and operational reliability in Australian civil aviation.
Key Provisions
The primary operative section in this legislation (AD/INST/7) pertains to the inspection of the H14 Automatic Pilots, specifically focusing on the automatic pilot servo housing (Regulation 1/71). This requirement applies to all H14 Automatic Pilots, whether they are of the King or Honeywell variety. The regulation mandates that the linkage end of the pneumatic housing must be inspected to ensure that there is no cracking present in the wall of the housing, particularly in the areas adjacent to the formed retaining lugs. For servo assemblies installed on aircraft, if it is not feasible to inspect all lugs without removing the servo from the aircraft, it will be sufficient to inspect the lugs on the side nearest to the cable drum.
This Act imposes clear obligations on the parties involved, primarily those responsible for the maintenance and inspection of H14 Automatic Pilots. The regulation necessitates that the inspection must be carried out within 100 hours of the time in service after the date of 26 February 1971. It is essential for these inspections to be thorough and comply with the specified requirements to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation may result in significant consequences. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, it is evident that non-compliance could potentially lead to safety hazards, thereby risking the integrity of the aircraft and the safety of those on board. Regulatory bodies would likely impose penalties, including fines or other civil or criminal sanctions, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The exact nature and extent of these penalties would be determined by the relevant aviation authorities and would be consistent with broader aviation safety regulations.