Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically the Airworthiness Directive AD/PC-12/40, was enacted to address safety concerns related to the flap flexible shafts on Pilatus PC-12 series aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in response to reports of corroded inner drive cables within the flap flexshafts, which were found to be caused by moisture entering the system from the pressurised cabin. The potential for these cables to rupture posed a significant risk to the operational safety of the aircraft. The policy objective of this Airworthiness Directive is to ensure the safety of the aircraft by mandating the replacement of the affected flap flexshafts with improved versions, as detailed in Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 27-015 Revision A, dated 13 November 2003. This directive was published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 21 April 2004 and became effective on 13 May 2004, requiring compliance at the next 100 Hour/Annual Inspection following this date.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to all aviation activities and aircraft within Australia, establishing standards for safety and airworthiness. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD) targets the Pilatus PC-12 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those with certain serial numbers and flap flexible shafts part numbers. The directive mandates the removal and replacement of specific flap flexshafts to prevent potential safety issues arising from corrosion. The requirement must be adhered to during the next 100-hour or annual inspection following the AD's effective date of 13 May 2004, but no later than 13 June 2004, unless the action has already been completed. The AD's scope is limited to the specified aircraft models and parts, and it does not apply to other aircraft or aeronautical products unless similarly affected by the identified safety issue. The AD is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is effective immediately upon publication in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, outline an Airworthiness Directive (AD) that mandates corrective action for certain aircraft models. The AD applies to all Pilatus PC-12 and PC-2/45 aircraft, specifically those with serial numbers (MSN) ranging from 101 to 489, which have installed flap flexible shafts (flexshafts) part numbers 945.02.02.203 and 945.02.02.204. The directive requires these particular flexshafts to be removed and replaced with new ones, part numbers 945.02.02.205 and 945.02.02.206, in accordance with Pilatus PC-12 Service Bulletin No. 27-015 Revision A, dated 13 November 2003. This action is necessitated by the discovery that moisture from the pressurised cabin can enter the existing flexshafts, potentially causing corrosion and failure of the inner drive cables, leading to an inoperative flap system. The AD imposes clear obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They are required to ensure that the specified flexshafts are replaced within the stipulated timeframe, which is at the next 100-hour or annual inspection following 13 May 2004, but no later than 13 June 2004. Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, thus potentially affecting its operational status and safety. The directive also references Switzerland FOCA AD HB-2004-068, indicating alignment with international safety standards. Non-compliance with the AD could have significant consequences. Although the specific penalties for breaches of the AD are not detailed within this text, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, there can be substantial penalties for operating an aircraft that does not comply with airworthiness directives. These penalties may include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges against individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. The exact penalties and legal ramifications would be governed by the broader framework of aviation safety laws in Australia, but the overarching principle is to ensure that all measures are taken to maintain the highest standards of aircraft safety.