AD/PC-6/11 - Engine Mount Ring - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve as a comprehensive legal framework governing civil aviation safety and operations within the country. Specifically, PART 39 - 105 of these Regulations addresses airworthiness directives, which are mandatory orders issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft. The enactment of these regulations was crucial to addressing the need for stringent oversight and maintenance standards in the aviation industry, ensuring public safety and the integrity of civil aviation operations. One such directive, AD/PC-6/11, pertains to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, mandating modifications to the engine mount ring to mitigate identified safety risks. This legislative instrument aims to enforce compliance with safety standards and maintain the airworthiness of specified aircraft, thereby safeguarding passengers, crew, and the general public from potential hazards associated with aviation operations.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically address the safety standards and compliance requirements for the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes through Part 39 - 105. This regulation applies to all model PC-6/B-H2 aircraft with specific serial numbers: 564, 569, 572, 574, 575, 580, 581, 582, and 583. The regulation mandates compliance with the Airworthiness Directive AD/PC-6/11, which requires a modification to the engine mount ring. This compliance must be met at the next engine change following the date of 15 April 1966. The regulation extends to all relevant entities operating these aircraft within Australia, ensuring adherence to the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The scope of this legislation is narrowly focused on the specified aircraft models and does not extend to other types of aircraft or industries unless similarly addressed by other provisions or regulations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish a schedule of airworthiness directives that apply to various aircraft models, including the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes (sections 105.01 to 105.11). Within this framework, AD/PC-6/11 focuses on the modification of the engine mount ring for certain model PC-6/B-H2 aeroplanes. The directive applies to aircraft with specific serial numbers (section 3). Compliance with this directive is mandated at the next engine change following 15 April 1966, and it references Pilatus SB No. 56 as the document detailing the required modifications (section 6). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties or entities it governs are primarily centred around ensuring the safety of the specified aircraft. Operators and maintenance providers must adhere to the directive by modifying the engine mount ring as specified in Pilatus SB No. 56 during the next scheduled engine change. This requirement ensures that the identified safety issue is addressed, maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft (section 3). Failure to comply with this directive could result in the aircraft being deemed non-compliant with airworthiness standards, potentially leading to grounding and other regulatory actions. Breach of the airworthiness directive can lead to serious consequences under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of AD/PC-6/11 may face enforcement actions under section 105.09 of the Regulations. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include substantial fines, with specific amounts determined by the courts based on the severity and impact of the breach. Additionally, persistent or egregious non-compliance may result in more severe consequences such as suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, thereby grounding the aircraft until the directive is complied with (sections 105.09 and 105.11).