AD/PC-12/2 Amdt 1 - Starter Generator and Generator No. 2 Power Return Cables

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide comprehensive regulations governing civil aviation safety across the country. One of the key components of these regulations is Part 39, which outlines various airworthiness directives to ensure aircraft maintain a safe operational standard. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues these directives to address specific safety concerns and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards. One such directive, AD/PC-12/2 Amendment 1, pertains specifically to Pilatus PC-12 series aeroplanes, addressing an issue of excessive deviations on the standby magnetic compass caused by the magnetic field produced by electrical currents in the aircraft structure. This amendment, which became effective on 22 January 1997, mandates the rerouting of power return cables for the starter generator and generator No. 2, as well as the installation of a placard near the standby magnetic compass. The objective of this directive is to reduce compass deviations to acceptable limits under all operating conditions, ensuring the safety and reliability of the aircraft during flight.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives concerning Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes. AD/PC-12/2 Amendment 1 pertains to the rerouting of the starter generator and generator number 2 power return cables and the installation of a placard part number 511.32.12.173 above the Standby Magnetic Compass in compliance with Pilatus Aircraft Limited PC-12 Service Bulletin 24-002 Revision 1 dated 20 September 1996. This directive applies to all PC-12 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 101 to 147 inclusive. The requirement aims to mitigate excessive deviations on the standby magnetic compass caused by the magnetic field generated by the electrical current in the aircraft structure when certain systems are activated. The amendment mandates compliance within specific timelines, depending on whether the aircraft has previously incorporated Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 30-001 dated 20 December 1995, which addresses icing modifications. The amendment becomes effective on 22 January 1997, with a final compliance deadline of 31 March 1997. Compliance also necessitates a temporary Flight Manual Amendment post-implementation of this directive.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, specifically AD/PC-12/2 Amendment 1, require the rerouting of the starter generator and No 2 generator power return cables, along with the installation of a specific placard part number 511.32.12.173 above the Standby Magnetic Compass. This is to be carried out in accordance with Pilatus Aircraft Limited PC-12 Service Bulletin 24-002 Revision 1 dated 20 September 1996 (section 1). The amendment references FOCA Switzerland AD HB 97-001 and notes that compliance with the original issue of this directive only partially satisfies the requirements of this amendment, necessitating adherence to Revision 1 of the Service Bulletin. The obligations imposed by this Act require the rerouting of the specified cables and the installation of the placard within certain timeframes. For aircraft that have already incorporated Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin 30-001 dated 20 December 1995 (Icing Modifications), compliance must be achieved prior to the next flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions, but no later than 31 March 1997 (section 2). For aircraft that have not yet incorporated Service Bulletin 30-001, compliance must be achieved either before or together with the incorporation of the bulletin, also by 31 March 1997. These actions are mandated to ensure the compass deviation is within acceptable limits under all operating conditions. Breaching the provisions of this Airworthiness Directive could result in severe penalties and consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under which this directive falls, outline various civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. The specific maximum penalties for breaches are not detailed in the directive but generally include substantial fines and potential imprisonment for serious breaches that endanger flight safety. Non-compliance can also result in the grounding of the aircraft, which would prevent it from being operated until the required modifications are completed. It is critical for operators to adhere to these directives to maintain the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.