Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B11362, address specific safety concerns with the Mitsubishi MU-2 Series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, these regulations were introduced to rectify safety gaps identified in the two-battery system of certain MU-2 Series aircraft models. The problem at hand was the potential for excessive arcing in the series relay, which could cause damage to the aircraft. This regulation applies to particular MU-2B models and mandates compliance before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness. The policy objective, as outlined in the manufacturer's advisory and supported by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau's AD No. TCD-859-72 dated 4 September 1972, is to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft by implementing necessary modifications and replacements to mitigate the identified safety risk.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, apply to Mitsubishi MU-2 Series aeroplanes with particular serial numbers, mandating the replacement of the series relay and modifications to the two battery system. This directive is applicable to specific MU-2B models, including MU-2B-20 with serial numbers 124, 165 through 169, 171 through 181, 183 through 222, and 233, and MU-2B-30 with serial numbers 502, 505 through 508, and 510 through 547. The regulations require compliance before the issue of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness, referencing Mitsubishi SB 156 dated 3 August 1972 and Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-859-72 dated 4 September 1972. These regulations underscore the importance of ensuring that the specified aircraft meet the required safety standards to prevent potential damage due to excessive arcing in the series relay of the two battery system.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific requirements for ensuring the airworthiness of Mitsubishi MU-2 series aeroplanes. Section AD/MU-2/32 outlines the necessity for the replacement of the series relay and modification to the two battery system for certain models of the MU-2 series aeroplanes. This includes the MU-2B variant with Mitsubishi MU-2 Series Bulletin No. 093 incorporated, specifically for aircraft with serial numbers 124, 165 through 169, 171 through 181, 183 through 222, 233, MU-2B-20, and MU-2B-30 with serial numbers 502, 505 through 508, and 510 through 547. Compliance with these directives is essential before the issuance of an Australian Certificate of Airworthiness (section 2/84). The directives reference Mitsubishi SB 156 dated 3 August 1972 and Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-859-72 dated 4 September 1972, which provide the technical specifications and background for the required modifications. Operators of the specified Mitsubishi MU-2 aeroplanes must ensure that the series relay is replaced and the two battery system is modified as per the directives. This includes conducting a thorough inspection to identify any existing issues related to the series relay and implementing the necessary modifications to prevent potential damage due to excessive arcing, as advised by the manufacturer. The compliance process involves meticulous adherence to the technical guidance provided in Mitsubishi SB 156 and Japan Civil Aviation Bureau AD No. TCD-859-72. Operators must also document the inspection and modifications thoroughly, ensuring that all changes are recorded and approved by the relevant authorities before the aircraft can be certified as airworthy. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives outlined in section AD/MU-2/32 can result in serious consequences. Operators who do not adhere to these requirements may face significant legal and operational repercussions. Civil aviation regulations stipulate that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to the suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s Certificate of Airworthiness. Additionally, there may be enforcement actions taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), including fines and other penalties as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance, but they can include substantial financial penalties and potential criminal charges for operators who knowingly violate these critical safety directives.