AD/MSR/17 - Central Front Horizontal Stabiliser Attachment Bracket - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is responsible for regulating civil aviation safety in Australia, and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form the foundation of these regulations. One specific legislative instrument, F2006B11315, was introduced to address safety concerns regarding the Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes. This instrument, published as part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertains to Airworthiness Directives and specifically targets the central front horizontal stabiliser attachment bracket. The problem this legislative instrument addresses is the potential risk associated with the attachment bracket, necessitating regular inspections and possible replacements to maintain airworthiness standards, thus ensuring the safety and reliability of these aircraft within the Australian civil aviation system.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 – 105, issues Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. This includes AD/MSR/17 which pertains to the inspection and replacement of the central front horizontal stabiliser attachment bracket for all models of Aerospatiale Rallye series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all aeroplanes of the specified series, ensuring that the required safety measures are implemented across the entire fleet. The regulation extends to all operators of these aircraft within the Australian Commonwealth, encompassing both domestic and international flights originating from or landing in Australia, thereby enforcing stringent safety standards to protect passengers and crew. No specific exclusions or exemptions are noted in the directive, implying that all relevant operators must adhere to the prescribed safety measures without exception. The directive may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments, ensuring adaptability and comprehensive coverage of the safety requirements.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, include detailed provisions for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft through various Airworthiness Directives (ADs). One such directive, AD/MSR/17, pertains to Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the inspection and replacement of the central front horizontal stabiliser attachment bracket (paragraph 4/72). This directive applies to all models of the Aerospatiale Rallye Series, as stated in the document Rallye SB No. 40/1. Compliance with this AD is crucial and is to be executed as detailed in the requirement document, ensuring that the specified inspections and necessary replacements are carried out correctly. The AD imposes specific obligations on the parties and entities it governs, primarily the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. These individuals and entities must follow the directive's requirements meticulously to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. This includes conducting regular inspections of the central front horizontal stabiliser attachment bracket, identifying any defects or wear that could compromise the aircraft's structural integrity, and replacing the bracket if necessary. The directive also mandates that all maintenance and inspection work be performed by certified personnel who are trained and authorised to carry out such tasks. Failure to comply with AD/MSR/17 can lead to severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline that non-compliance with airworthiness directives is a punishable offence. Those found in breach may face significant penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt provided, it is known within the regulatory framework that penalties for such breaches can be substantial, both in terms of fines and potential criminal charges. These consequences are in place to ensure that all aircraft remain safe and compliant with the highest aviation safety standards, thereby protecting both the occupants of the aircraft and the public on the ground.