AD/PC-12/12 - Standby Magnetic Compass

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth) were enacted to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives aims to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft by issuing directives to address safety issues. One such directive is AD/PC-12/12, which applies to Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes with manufacturers' serial numbers 101 to 230. This directive was introduced to address the need for revised standby magnetic compass swing procedures following changes to the aircraft's configuration. The objective is to ensure that the compass is properly compensated for various configurations of windshield heating and aircraft systems, thereby maintaining accurate navigation readings. Compliance with this directive was required before 31 January 1999, and it became effective on 31 December 1998.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105 and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate the applicability of AD/PC-12/12 concerning the Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes. This directive applies to Pilatus PC-12 and PC-12/45 aeroplanes with Manufacturers Serial Numbers ranging from 101 to 230, inclusive. The requirement stipulated is the performance of a standby magnetic compass swing and the installation of a new ‘Compensation Placard’ (part number 511.32.12.195) as per Pilatus Aircraft Ltd PC-12 Service Bulletin 34-006 dated 3 September 1998. The directive also references FOCA Switzerland AD HB 98-426 for additional context and compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to 31 January 1999, with the directive itself taking effect on 31 December 1998. This regulation is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, mandates that certain Pilatus PC-12 Series aeroplanes, identified by manufacturers serial numbers ranging from 101 to 230, must undergo a standby magnetic compass swing and have a new 'Compensation Placard' installed. This directive, known as AD/PC-12/12, applies to the PC-12 and PC-12/45 models and is detailed in Section 14/98. The directive requires these actions to be completed in accordance with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd’s Service Bulletin 34-006 dated 3 September 1998. Compliance with this directive must be achieved prior to 31 January 1999, and the directive itself became effective from 31 December 1998. Entities and individuals governed by these regulations are required to ensure that the specified modifications to the standby magnetic compass are performed accurately and in a timely manner. This involves conducting a compass swing to adjust the compass for any changes in the aircraft’s configuration, such as the installation of windshield heating or other system modifications. Additionally, a new 'Compensation Placard' must be installed to provide guidance on how to read the standby magnetic compass accurately. These measures are crucial for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. Non-compliance could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which could prevent it from being operated until the necessary modifications are made. Such breaches of the regulations could also result in enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which might include fines, penalties, or other regulatory actions against the entity or individual responsible. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, they could be substantial and could include both civil and criminal liabilities depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. It is also important to note that the directive references FOCA Switzerland AD HB 98-426, indicating that this requirement is aligned with international safety standards and practices. This alignment underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure consistent safety standards are maintained across different jurisdictions. The changes to the aircraft configuration, which necessitated the revision of the compass swing procedures, highlight the dynamic nature of airworthiness directives and the need for ongoing compliance with updated safety standards.