AD/PARA/4 - Rigging Innovations Skyhook Reserve Pilotchute

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include provisions for the regulation of parachute equipment within Australia. One specific directive, AD/PARA/4, pertains to the rigging of Skyhook reserve pilotchutes manufactured by Rigging Innovations, serial numbers 2405 to 5551 inclusive. This directive was introduced to address a safety issue identified in overseas incidents, specifically the total pack closure of the pilotchute, which necessitated a requirement for testing spring tension to ensure compliance. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under the authority granted by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, enacted this directive to ensure that all affected equipment is inspected and modified as necessary to mitigate the risk of similar incidents occurring within Australia's airspace. The policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety standards for all aviation activities by ensuring that equipment conforms to prescribed safety standards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies to specific types of parachute equipment, particularly the Skyhook reserve pilotchutes with serial numbers ranging from 2405 to 5551 inclusive. This directive mandates adherence to Rigging Innovations Service Bulletin 1513 Rev A, dated 22 June 1992, which outlines specific actions to be taken to ensure compliance. The directive is a response to an incident where the pilotchute experienced total pack closure, leading to the requirement for testing to verify spring tension. This applies to parachute equipment within the specified serial number range and aims to enhance safety by ensuring that the equipment meets the prescribed standards before 30 November 1993. The directive extends its reach to ensure the safety of operations involving these specific pilotchutes, which are critical components in the deployment of reserve parachutes.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 107, addresses the safety directives concerning parachute equipment, including rigging innovations such as the Skyhook reserve pilotchute (Section 39 - 107). The directive AD/PARA/4 pertains to the Skyhook reserve pilotchutes with part number 2233 and serial numbers ranging from 2405 to 5551 inclusive. According to the regulation, these pilotchutes must be actioned in accordance with Rigging Innovations Service Bulletin 1513 Revision A, dated 22 June 1992. This requirement is also referenced in FAA AD 93-08-02 Amendment 39-8549. Under this legislation, the entities governed must ensure compliance with the specified rigging and testing requirements to maintain the airworthiness of the parachute equipment. This includes conducting necessary inspections and tests to verify the spring tension of the Skyhook reserve pilotchutes, as mandated by the referenced service bulletin. The aim is to prevent incidents such as total pack closure, which could endanger the safety of the parachutist. Failure to comply with these safety directives can lead to severe consequences. Non-compliance may result in civil or criminal penalties, as stipulated under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is understood that breaches of airworthiness directives can lead to significant financial penalties, legal action, or even grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The severity of the penalties underscores the importance of adhering to these safety measures to protect the safety of all involved in aviation activities.