AD/MCH/6 - Pitot Head Assembly - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives. This legislative instrument, known as AD/MCH/6, was enacted to address issues related to the airworthiness of Aero Resources J2 Series Gyroplanes. The regulation requires the installation of an approved low yaw sensitivity pitot tube assembly in a position that provides the most accurate Airspeed Indicator (ASI) readings under sideslip conditions, as approved by the Secretary. This modification ensures the gyroplane maintains safe operational standards by adhering to a scheme approved by the Secretary. Compliance with these directives is mandatory before issuing a Certificate of Airworthiness, underscoring the importance of maintaining aircraft safety through regulatory oversight.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses the application of airworthiness directives concerning the Aero Resources J2 Series Gyroplanes, with a particular focus on the modification of the pitot head assembly. This legislation applies to all model J2 gyroplanes, mandating the installation of an approved low yaw sensitivity pitot tube assembly. This requirement must be executed in a manner that ensures the most accurate A.S.I. readings under sideslip conditions, in accordance with a scheme approved by the Secretary. Compliance with these directives is obligatory before the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, and an acceptable means of compliance is referenced in the modification to Hawker de Havilland Aircraft Pty. Ltd. drawing No. 26-D-4. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this regulation is nationwide, governed under the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniform safety standards across all states and territories. Subordinate instruments may extend or further define the application of these regulations to ensure comprehensive adherence to the established airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (subparagraphs 105.010 and 105.015), establish the requirements for airworthiness directives, which are binding instructions issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. The particular directive AD/MCH/6, as outlined in section 10/74, applies to all model J2 Aero Resources gyroplanes. It mandates the installation of an approved low yaw sensitivity pitot tube assembly to ensure accurate readings under sideslip conditions. The modification must be in a position that provides the most precise Airspeed Indicator (ASI) readings. Furthermore, the modification must align with a scheme that has been approved by the Secretary, and it may adhere to modifications referenced in Hawker de Havilland Aircraft Pty. Ltd. drawing No. 26-D-4, provided these are acceptable means of compliance. Entities and parties governed by these regulations must ensure that the modifications outlined in AD/MCH/6 are implemented before CASA issues a Certificate of Airworthiness for the affected gyroplanes. This requirement is critical for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, as it directly impacts the accuracy of speed readings which are vital for safe flight operations. Failure to comply with these directives can lead to non-certification or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/MCH/6 can result in serious legal and safety implications. Under section 105.020 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, any person who operates an aircraft that does not comply with the applicable airworthiness directives may be subject to enforcement actions. Penalties for non-compliance can be significant, including potential fines and imprisonment. Specifically, the maximum penalty for contravening an airworthiness directive can reach up to $275,000 for individuals and $1.375 million for corporations, as outlined in section 105.025. Additionally, CASA may take civil action to compel compliance, and persistent non-compliance can lead to more severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness.