AD/MSR/5 Amdt 1 - Horizontal Stabiliser Front Attachment Brackets - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, address the safety and operational standards for civil aviation within the country. One specific area of focus within these regulations is the issuing of Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. For example, AD/MSR/5Amdt 1 pertains to Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes, specifically targeting models MS880, 881, 885, and 886 with serial numbers from 1 to 395. This directive was introduced to address potential safety issues related to the horizontal stabiliser front attachment brackets, mandating both inspection and modification to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. The policy objective is to maintain high safety standards by proactively addressing structural issues that could compromise the integrity and safety of the aircraft during operation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/MSR/5Amdt 1) applies specifically to Aerospatiale Rallye Series aeroplanes, namely models MS880, 881, 885, and 886 with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 395. This legislative instrument is pertinent to aircraft operators, maintenance personnel, and other entities involved in the operation and upkeep of these aircraft within Australia and its territories, thereby encompassing a broad spectrum of aviation-related conduct and transactions. The directive mandates that inspections and modifications be conducted on the horizontal stabilizer front attachment brackets, in alignment with the specifications outlined in Rallye Service Bulletin No. 12/1. Furthermore, the directive extends its regulatory reach to ensure compliance with stipulated intervals for inspections and the timeframe for implementing the necessary modifications, thus reinforcing aviation safety standards. The application of this directive is non-negotiable and does not offer any exclusions or exemptions, thereby ensuring a uniform approach to safety across all applicable aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes an amendment concerning the Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes. This particular amendment, AD/MSR/5 Amendment 1, focuses on the horizontal stabiliser front attachment brackets, necessitating both inspection and modification (s.8/62). This directive applies to Aerospatiale Rallye models MS880, 881, 885, and 886, with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 395. The key requirements set forth in this directive are twofold. First, the horizontal stabiliser forward attachment brackets must be inspected as detailed in Rallye Service Bulletin No. 12/1. Second, the light alloy attachment brackets must be replaced with steel brackets, also according to the specifications outlined in Rallye Service Bulletin No. 12/1. The compliance timeline for these requirements is defined by the directive: for the inspection outlined in Part 1, it must occur at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service until the implementation of Part 2. Once the replacement procedure detailed in Part 2 is incorporated, it must be completed within 100 hours of time in service following the date of 13 April 1972. The obligations imposed by this Act are clear and specific. Operators and maintainers of the affected Aerospatiale Rallye Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the inspections and modifications are performed meticulously and in accordance with the prescribed service bulletins. Failure to adhere to the stipulated timelines and procedures may result in non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Breaches of these requirements can lead to significant legal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of Civil Aviation Regulations can typically result in severe civil or criminal penalties. In cases of non-compliance, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to impose fines, suspend or revoke airworthiness certificates, and take other enforcement actions. Such penalties underscore the importance of adhering strictly to the provisions outlined in the directive.