AD/JETSTREAM/24 - Propeller Feather Controls

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, incorporates the Airworthiness Directive AD/JETSTREAM/24 concerning British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to address the safety issue of feathering difficulty during emergency engine shut downs, which has been identified as arising from incorrect propeller control rigging. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, this directive aims to ensure that all Jetstream 3100 series aircraft comply with the specified requirements to maintain airworthiness and safety standards. The directive mandates compliance with BAe ASB 76-A-JA880440 as stipulated by the manufacturer, thus safeguarding the operational integrity of these aircraft and protecting the travelling public. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment to maintaining stringent safety protocols within the civil aviation sector. By issuing AD/JETSTREAM/24, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to mitigate risks associated with the identified rigging issue, ensuring that all Jetstream 3100 series aircraft are maintained to the required safety standards. The policy objective is clear: to prevent incidents related to propeller feathering difficulties, thereby enhancing the overall safety of air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Jetstream 3100 series aircraft, ensuring compliance with the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These regulations govern the maintenance and operation of aircraft, with a particular focus on the safety of propeller feather controls for the British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) series aeroplanes. The directive AD/JETSTREAM/24 addresses the need for corrective actions to resolve feathering difficulties during emergency engine shut down, as mandated by the manufacturer's advisory BAe ASB 76-A-JA880440. The legislation requires adherence to specific compliance measures outlined in the requirement document, ensuring that all Jetstream 3100 series aircraft maintain appropriate safety standards. The regulations have a national reach across Australia and apply to all relevant aircraft, operators, and maintenance providers within the Commonwealth. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular directive, and the application is enforced through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, are concerned with the safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Section 39.105 pertains to Airworthiness Directives, which are mandatory orders issued by CASA to ensure continued airworthiness of aircraft. In this instance, AD/JETSTREAM/24 is an Airworthiness Directive applicable to all Jetstream 3100 series aeroplanes, focusing on propeller feather control systems. Section 6/88 details the specific requirement that Jetstream 3100 series aircraft must comply with British Aerospace's Airworthiness Service Bulletin (ASB) 76-A-JA880440 to address issues with propeller control rigging. These regulations impose obligations on aircraft operators, maintenance organisations, and other relevant parties to ensure their Jetstream 3100 series aircraft meet the specified airworthiness standards. Operators and maintenance personnel must adhere strictly to the procedures outlined in ASB 76-A-JA880440, which likely involves inspecting, adjusting, or replacing components of the propeller control system to prevent feathering difficulties during emergency engine shutdowns. Compliance with these directives is critical to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with these Airworthiness Directives can result in serious legal and safety consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, suspension or revocation of air operator certificates, and other regulatory penalties. Furthermore, operating an aircraft that does not meet the specified airworthiness standards can result in criminal charges for the operator, with potential maximum penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the prescribed requirements to ensure the safety and compliance of Jetstream 3100 series aircraft in Australian airspace.