COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Navion Series Aeroplanes
AD/NAV/2 Rudder Horn - Inspection NK
Applicability: All models from Navion to Navion H fitted with Rudder Horn P/N 145-24401. Requirement: Inspect the rudder horn for corrosion and cracking.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 28 November 1968, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended through F2006B11407, were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, addresses the need for standardised airworthiness directives, particularly focusing on aircraft maintenance and safety compliance. The specific legislative instrument F2006B11407 pertains to the inspection of rudder horns on Navion Series aeroplanes, aiming to prevent corrosion and cracking, which could compromise flight safety. By mandating regular inspections within 100 hours of service and at intervals not exceeding 12 months, the regulation seeks to maintain the structural integrity of these aircraft, thereby safeguarding the public from potential hazards associated with mechanical failures.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, mandate the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to issue airworthiness directives to ensure the safety of aircraft in operation within Australia. One such directive, AD/NAV/2, pertains to the inspection of the rudder horn on Navion series aeroplanes, specifically those from the Navion to Navion H models that are fitted with the Rudder Horn P/N 145-24401. This requirement applies to all such aircraft within the Australian jurisdiction, ensuring that operators and owners adhere to rigorous safety standards. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be conducted within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service after 28 November 1968, and subsequently, at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Failure to comply with these stipulated inspection periods can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thus affecting its ability to operate legally within Australian airspace.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, contains detailed instructions for ensuring the safety of various aircraft types. For Navion Series Aeroplanes, the relevant Airworthiness Directive (AD) is AD/NAV/2, which pertains to the inspection of the rudder horn. The directive applies to all models from Navion to Navion H that are equipped with Rudder Horn Part Number 145-24401. The primary requirement outlined in this directive is to inspect the rudder horn for any signs of corrosion or cracking.
The AD mandates that the inspection of the rudder horn must be conducted within 100 hours of time in service after 28 November 1968. Following this initial inspection, the rudder horn must be inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months. These inspections are crucial to ensure the structural integrity of the rudder horn, which is a critical component for the safe operation of the aircraft. The directive aims to identify and address any potential issues before they compromise the safety of the aircraft in flight.
The obligations imposed by AD/NAV/2 are clear and specific. Aircraft operators or maintenance personnel must ensure that the rudder horn is inspected according to the stipulated timeline. This involves visually examining the rudder horn for any signs of corrosion or cracks, which can affect the functionality and safety of the rudder control system. Proper documentation of each inspection must be maintained to demonstrate compliance with the regulatory requirements.
Failure to comply with the inspection requirements set forth in AD/NAV/2 may result in significant consequences. Non-compliance with airworthiness directives is a serious matter and can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. Potential civil penalties include fines and the possibility of grounding the aircraft until the necessary inspections are performed and any issues are resolved. Additionally, the operator may face criminal charges if the non-compliance is deemed to have endangered safety, leading to potential imprisonment. The specific penalties are not detailed in the directive but are governed by the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and associated regulations.