AD/MU-2/11 - Propeller Pitch Control Lever - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety and maintenance requirements for the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation, identified as AD/MU-2/11, was enacted to ensure the safety of these aircraft by mandating a thorough inspection of the propeller pitch control lever, referencing Mitsubishi Service Bulletin No. 168 or Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-1188-75. The directive requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service following 13 November 1975, underscoring the urgency and critical nature of these safety measures. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Australian Government through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, aiming to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. The policy objective of this regulation is to mitigate risks associated with the propeller pitch control lever by ensuring it is inspected and maintained according to specified standards, thereby enhancing overall aircraft safety and reliability. The regulations are designed to enforce compliance across all models of the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes operating within Australian airspace.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses the airworthiness directives for Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes, with a focus on AD/MU-2/11 concerning the Propeller Pitch Control Lever. This directive applies universally to all models of Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes. The compliance requirement necessitates an inspection within 25 hours of time in service following 13 November 1975, as outlined in Mitsubishi SB No. 168 or Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-1188-75. This legislation is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, ensuring that all operators and maintainers of Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes within the national airspace adhere to the specified safety directives. The regulations do not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, implying that all relevant entities and individuals must comply with the outlined safety measures.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in relation to the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes, are found in the schedule of airworthiness directives, specifically AD/MU-2/11 (section 11/75). This directive mandates the inspection of the propeller pitch control lever on all models of the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes. The compliance with this directive must be carried out within 25 hours of time in service after 13 November 1975, as outlined in the Mitsubishi Service Bulletin No. 168 or the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-1188-75. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are quite specific and centre around ensuring the airworthiness of the aircraft. Operators and owners of Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the propeller pitch control lever is inspected as per the schedule of airworthiness directives. This inspection is critical for maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the aircraft. The authority to conduct these inspections is granted to authorised personnel who are appropriately trained and qualified under the regulations. These inspections must be meticulously documented and recorded, ensuring that the aircraft continues to meet the required airworthiness standards. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/MU-2/11 can result in severe consequences. The Act outlines various offences and penalties for non-compliance, which can include substantial fines and, in more severe cases, criminal charges. For instance, operating an aircraft that does not meet the specified airworthiness standards can result in penalties up to $500,000 for corporations and $100,000 for individuals, as stipulated in section 95 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Additionally, there may be further repercussions such as the grounding of the aircraft, which can have significant operational and financial implications for the operators and owners. The severity of the penalties reflects the critical importance of adhering to these airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of air travel.