COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PC-12/34 Rear Pressure Bulkhead 13/2002 DM
Applicability: Model PC-12 and PC-12/45 aircraft, Manufacturers Serial Numbers (MSN) 101 through 380, 382 through 385, 387 through 395, 398 through 406, 408, 409, 413, 415, and 417; except for aircraft which have already complied with the original issue of the requirement document.
Requirement: Inspect in accordance with Pilatus Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 53-003 Revision 1, dated 26 July 2002.
Note: Switzerland FOCA AD HB 2002-608 refers.
Compliance: At the next annual inspection after 20 November 2002 or befo re 31 December 2002, whichever occurs first.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 November 2002.
Background: The manufacturer has determined the possibility exists that drill and rivet-reaction tool damage could have occurred in areas around the edges of the rear pressure dome. This could have occurred during assembly procedures in some of the affected aircraft.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 12 November 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 20 November 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, form a crucial part of Australia's regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety. One specific legislative instrument under these regulations is the Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The purpose of this directive is to address identified safety issues with particular aircraft models to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. For example, Airworthiness Directive AD/PC-12/34, issued on 13 November 2002, pertains to the Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes and specifically targets potential issues with the rear pressure bulkhead of certain aircraft models and serial numbers. The directive mandates inspections in line with specified procedures to mitigate the risk of damage to the rear pressure dome that could have occurred during assembly. The directive aims to correct any unsafe conditions and maintain the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes, encompassing certain Manufacturers Serial Numbers (MSN) within the specified range. The directive mandates that inspections be conducted in accordance with Pilatus Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 53-003 Revision 1, dated 26 July 2002, to address potential drill and rivet-reaction tool damage around the edges of the rear pressure dome, which could have occurred during assembly. The requirement for compliance must be met at the next annual inspection after 20 November 2002, but no later than 31 December 2002. The AD excludes aircraft that have already complied with the original requirement document. This directive is issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The AD extends its application through the detailed instructions provided in the mandatory service bulletin, ensuring that all specified aircraft undergo the necessary inspections to maintain airworthiness standards.
Key Provisions
This legislative instrument, which is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, sets forth specific requirements for the safety of certain Pilatus PC-12 series aircraft. Section 13/2002 DM of Part 39-105 (paragraphs 1 to 3) mandates an inspection of the rear pressure bulkhead of specified Pilatus PC-12 and PC-12/45 models with certain Manufacturers Serial Numbers (MSNs), excluding those that have already complied with the original requirement document. The inspection must be conducted in accordance with Pilatus Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin 53-003 Revision 1, dated 26 July 2002. This action is required to mitigate the potential for damage that could have occurred around the edges of the rear pressure dome during assembly procedures. The AD is effective from 20 November 2002 and must be implemented by the next annual inspection after this date or before 31 December 2002, whichever comes first.
The obligations imposed by this directive are specific and clear. Aircraft operators and owners must ensure that the specified inspection is carried out in compliance with the instructions provided in the Pilatus Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin. This involves a thorough examination of the rear pressure bulkhead to identify any damage or defects that may have arisen during the manufacturing process. Operators must maintain accurate records of the inspection and any actions taken to rectify identified issues. The directive also mandates that the inspection must be completed within the stipulated timeframe, which is either the next annual inspection after 20 November 2002 or before 31 December 2002.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive may result in serious consequences. Although the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the legislative instrument, violations of civil aviation regulations can typically lead to significant penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges for individuals found responsible for non-compliance. The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of adhering to safety directives to prevent unsafe conditions that could endanger the aircraft, its occupants, and others.