AD/LEARJET/1 - Horizontal Stabiliser - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a crucial component of Australia's aviation safety regulatory framework. One of the key legislative instruments within this body of regulations is the Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertaining to Gates Learjet 24 & 25 Series Aeroplanes, specifically AD/LEARJET/1, which was introduced to address safety concerns related to the horizontal stabiliser of these aircraft. The objective of this directive is to ensure ongoing airworthiness by mandating regular inspections and compliance with specified requirements to mitigate any potential risks associated with the horizontal stabiliser. This legislative instrument was developed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). The policy objective behind AD/LEARJET/1 is to enhance aviation safety by implementing a structured inspection regime for the horizontal stabilisers of the specified Gates Learjet models, thereby reducing the likelihood of structural failures and enhancing the overall safety of air travel.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to the Gates Learjet 24 and 25 series aeroplanes with serial numbers falling within specified ranges. This regulation mandates that certain inspection requirements must be met to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. The inspection pertains to the horizontal stabiliser as outlined in AD/LEARJET/1, which is a directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The regulation applies to all model 24 aeroplanes with serial numbers from 24-100 to 24-257 and all model 25 aeroplanes with serial numbers from 25-003 to 25-100. Compliance with these directives is essential for maintaining the safety standards set by CASA, and adherence must be in line with the specific requirements outlined in Gates Learjet Service Bulletin No. 23/24/25 - 240. The regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by CASA, which has the authority to issue and enforce such airworthiness directives.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39, Section 105, provides specific Airworthiness Directives for Gates Learjet 24 and 25 series aeroplanes, focusing on the horizontal stabiliser inspection, as outlined in AD/LEARJET/1. This directive applies to all Gates Learjet model 24 aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 24-100 to 24-257 and all model 25 aeroplanes with S/Nos. ranging from 25-003 to 25-100. The requirements for compliance are detailed in Gates Learjet Service Bulletin (SB) No. 23/24/25 - 240. Under this legislation, the obligations for aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel are clear. They must ensure that the horizontal stabiliser of the specified Gates Learjet models is inspected according to the procedures outlined in the referenced service bulletin. This includes conducting thorough visual inspections and any additional checks as prescribed to ensure the structural integrity and airworthiness of the stabiliser. It is imperative that these inspections are carried out by appropriately certified personnel to comply with the regulations. Failure to comply with these Airworthiness Directives can result in severe consequences. The legislation stipulates that non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions, which can include fines, penalties, and even grounding of the aircraft until the required inspections are performed and any necessary repairs are completed. While specific monetary penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is understood that the severity of the penalties can vary based on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. Furthermore, any non-compliance could potentially result in criminal charges for individuals or corporate entities responsible for the oversight of the aircraft, leading to more substantial legal repercussions.