AD/ML-M4/3 - Elevator Trim Control - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia, including the maintenance and operation of aircraft. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B11289, addresses the safety concerns related to the elevator trim control in Maule M-4 Series Aeroplanes. This instrument was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the trim control system in certain Maule M-4-210 models, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 1001 to 1050. The directive, AD/ML-M4/3, mandates a modification to the elevator trim control system to enhance safety, ensuring compliance forthwith, as outlined in Maule Service Letter No. 9. The overarching policy objective is to maintain and improve the safety standards within the Australian civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to specific aircraft models, as evidenced by the Airworthiness Directive AD/ML-M4/3 concerning the Maule M-4 Series Aeroplanes, particularly models M-4-210 with serial numbers ranging from 1001 to 1050. This regulation mandates compliance with the directive concerning the elevator trim control modification, as outlined in Maule SL No. 9, which must be implemented immediately. The directive applies to these specific aircraft models within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the safety standards set forth by CASA are adhered to for these aeroplanes. The scope of this regulation is geographically confined to Australia, with its applicability strictly limited to the specified serial numbers of the M-4-210 model. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly stated in this particular directive, and its application is not extended or restricted through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998), specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Maule M-4 Series Aeroplanes, require that all Maule M-4-210 model aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) between 1001 and 1050 undergo a modification to their elevator trim control (Section 11/67). This modification is mandated to address a specific safety concern identified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Compliance with this directive is required forthwith, as indicated in the document referenced as Maule Service Letter No. 9. Under these regulations, it is the responsibility of the aircraft owner or operator to ensure that the specified modifications are carried out by a certified repair facility or authorised individual. This requirement is aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring compliance with safety standards set by CASA. The regulations stipulate that the modifications must be completed without undue delay to prevent any potential safety hazards from arising. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences, including potential enforcement actions by CASA. The regulations impose strict obligations on aircraft owners and operators to ensure adherence to the specified safety directives. Non-compliance may result in penalties, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The seriousness of the directive, marked as "forthwith," underscores the urgency and importance of timely compliance to avoid any adverse safety outcomes. In terms of penalties, the regulations do not specify maximum fines in this particular directive. However, the overarching legislation provides for significant penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Such penalties may include substantial fines and other civil or administrative actions that could impact the operation and registration of the aircraft. Additionally, persistent non-compliance or severe safety breaches could result in criminal charges, depending on the nature and impact of the non-compliance.