COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes
AD/JETSTREAM/77 Stall Warning - Removal of Ground Inhibit Switch
4/98
Applicability: All BAe Regional Aircraft Jetstream 3100 and 3200 Series aircraft with Modification JM7813A (SB 27-JM7813A) or Modification JM7813B embodied.
Requirement: Unless previously accomplished, remove the ground inhibit function of the stall warning system in accordance with BAe Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-JM7847.
Note: CAA UK AD 003-12-97 refers.
Compliance: No later than 26 June 1998.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 26 March 1998.
Background: Modification JM7813 installed a ground inhibit relay and ground test relay to prevent the operation of the stall warning system until the aircraft has been airborne for at least three seconds. Investigation by BAe has shown that a failure of the ground test relay in the energised position would cause a failure in the stall warning system with no indication to the crew of the malfunction.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Legislative Instrument F2006B10947, focus on enhancing the safety of British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series aeroplanes through specific airworthiness directives. Enacted to address issues related to the reliability of the stall warning system in these aircraft, this legislation requires the removal of the ground inhibit switch in certain Jetstream models. The objective is to ensure the integrity of the stall warning system by preventing potential failures that could occur if the ground test relay malfunctions while in the energised position. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and became effective on 26 March 1998, with compliance required by 26 June 1998. This directive references a similar UK Civil Aviation Authority directive, indicating a coordinated effort to manage safety concerns across jurisdictions.
The legislative instrument F2006B10947, introduced by the Australian Government, aims to rectify the identified problem of potential stall warning system failures in BAe 3100 Series aircraft. By mandating the removal of the ground inhibit function as per BAe Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-JM7847, the regulation seeks to eliminate the risk of unindicated malfunctions during flight. This measure is part of a broader commitment to maintaining high standards of airworthiness and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew in Australian airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, includes a schedule of airworthiness directives that apply to various aircraft, such as the British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes. The legislation mandates particular safety measures to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft, specifically targeting BAe Regional Aircraft Jetstream 3100 and 3200 Series aeroplanes that have been modified with JM7813A or JM7813B. The directive requires the removal of the ground inhibit switch of the stall warning system to prevent potential system failures, which could lead to hazardous conditions during flight. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed by 26 June 1998, following the effective date of 26 March 1998. This directive extends its applicability to all relevant aircraft within the specified modifications, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the authority.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines an airworthiness directive concerning British Aerospace BAe 3100 (Jetstream) Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/JETSTREAM/77 addresses the removal of the ground inhibit switch from the stall warning system (section 4/98). The directive applies to all BAe Regional Aircraft Jetstream 3100 and 3200 Series aircraft that have Modification JM7813A or JM7813B installed. The requirement is to remove the ground inhibit function of the stall warning system in accordance with BAe Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-JM7847. This action is necessary unless it has already been performed. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with a compliance deadline set for no later than 26 June 1998. The directive became effective on 26 March 1998.
The obligations imposed by this directive are specific and clear. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the modification to remove the ground inhibit function of the stall warning system is carried out as specified in BAe Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-JM7847. This requirement aims to rectify a known issue where a failure of the ground test relay could lead to a failure in the stall warning system without any indication to the crew. The directive references CAA UK AD 003-12-97, indicating that this issue has been recognised and addressed by relevant aviation authorities.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this airworthiness directive may result in significant legal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, breaches of civil aviation regulations in Australia can lead to severe penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance and can take action against operators who fail to adhere to airworthiness directives. Such action could include administrative penalties or more severe enforcement actions if the non-compliance poses a significant safety risk.