AD/PC-6/10 - Engine Mount - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, establish and regulate the requirements for ensuring the safety of civil aviation within Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was introduced to address the need for stringent safety standards in the rapidly evolving field of aviation. One of the key objectives of these regulations is to ensure that all aircraft meet certain airworthiness standards to protect the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public. The regulations cover a wide range of areas, including aircraft design and maintenance, pilot qualifications, and operational procedures, thereby creating a robust framework aimed at maintaining the highest safety standards in Australian civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, targeting the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all model PC-6/A aircraft with serial numbers prior to 592, mandating compliance with the requirements set out in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 51. The directive necessitates that modifications to the engine mount be carried out at the next engine change following the date of 15 April 1966. This regulation operates under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia and governs the maintenance and airworthiness of specified aircraft within its jurisdiction, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector. The scope is explicitly limited to the named aircraft model and serial number range, with no broader exemptions or exclusions mentioned in this directive. The application of this legislation may be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, in the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes specific directives concerning the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, particularly AD/PC-6/10 concerning the engine mount modification. Section 105 of this legislation outlines the applicability of the directive to all model PC-6/A aircraft with serial numbers prior to 592. Compliance with this directive is mandated at the next engine change following 15 April 1966. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. The owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the engine mount modifications are carried out as per Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 51. This involves detailed structural changes to the engine mount to ensure it meets the current safety standards. The directive mandates that these modifications be completed at the next engine change, which provides a practical timeframe for compliance and ensures that the aircraft remain airworthy. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in this airworthiness directive can result in severe consequences. Non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which can include grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. Additionally, there may be significant civil penalties imposed on the operators. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the legislation provided, it is known that CASA has the authority to impose fines and other sanctions for breaches of airworthiness directives, which can be substantial depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandate specific modifications to the engine mounts of certain Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes to ensure ongoing airworthiness. Compliance must be achieved by performing the modifications at the next engine change after the specified date. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to enforcement actions by CASA and potential civil penalties, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate compliance with these airworthiness directives.