AD/P68/3 Amdt 1 - Engine Mount - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B05357, represent a legislative instrument designed to ensure the safe operation of civil aircraft within Australian airspace. This particular amendment, focusing on Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes, was enacted to address specific safety concerns related to engine mounts, aiming to prevent potential structural failures that could lead to catastrophic incidents. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, operating under the authority of the Australian Parliament, introduced this directive to enhance the overall safety standards of civil aviation. The policy objective is clearly to mitigate the risk of engine mount-related failures by mandating regular inspections, thus maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and protecting the lives of passengers and crew. The legislative instrument targets all models P68A and P68B, requiring compliance with either Partenavia Service Bulletin No. 22 or Registro Aeronautico Italiano AD No. 75-252/P68-10. The primary requirement is for an initial inspection within 25 hours of time in service following 23 February 1979, with subsequent inspections mandated at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This regulatory approach ensures that the risk of engine mount failure is systematically monitored and managed, thereby contributing to the broader objective of maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, establishes the scope and application of the Airworthiness Directives for the Partenavia P68 series aeroplanes, including the P68A and P68B models. These regulations mandate the inspection of engine mounts as detailed in the relevant Airworthiness Directives. This requirement applies to all aircraft of the specified models, ensuring compliance with either Partenavia Service Bulletin No. 22 or Registro Aeronautico Italiano AD No. 75-252/P68-10. The directive necessitates an initial inspection within 25 hours of time in service following 23 February 1979, with subsequent inspections conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority oversees the enforcement of these regulations, ensuring adherence to the specified inspection protocols across all applicable aircraft.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives for the Partenavia P68 Series Aeroplanes, establish critical safety requirements for the inspection of the engine mount. Section AD/P68/3 Amendment 1 pertains to the inspection of the engine mount and requires compliance with either Partenavia Service Bulletin No. 22 or Registro Aeronautico Italiano AD No. 75-252/P68-10 (sections 4/79). The directive applies to all models P68A and P68B, mandating that an initial inspection must be carried out within 25 hours of time in service after 23 February 1979. Following the initial inspection, subsequent inspections are required at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs, including aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. The primary obligation is to conduct the required inspections as stipulated in the airworthiness directives. Operators must ensure that inspections are performed by qualified personnel and that all findings are documented appropriately. Maintenance personnel must adhere to the prescribed intervals and use the specified documents, Partenavia SB No. 22 or Registro Aeronautico Italiano AD No. 75-252/P68-10, as the basis for conducting the inspections. Failure to comply with these directives may result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to operational restrictions or grounding. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives can result in various civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential suspension or revocation of the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate. The severity of the penalty often depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance. Under section 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the maximum penalty for failing to comply with an airworthiness directive can include substantial fines, reflecting the gravity of the safety risk posed by non-compliance. Additionally, criminal charges may be pursued in cases of gross negligence or wilful disregard of the safety regulations, leading to more severe penalties, including imprisonment.