AD/PC-6/12 - Elevator Assembly - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australian airspace. These regulations form part of a broader framework designed to address safety concerns and regulatory gaps in the operation of aircraft, thereby protecting the public and enhancing the reliability of air travel. Specifically, the regulations establish a schedule of airworthiness directives, including AD/PC-6/12 concerning the elevator assembly modification for the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all models prior to serial number 586, and compliance is mandated by referencing Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 50. The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to mandate the maintenance of airworthiness standards that safeguard against potential safety hazards, thereby ensuring the continued safety and integrity of civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies this particular Airworthiness Directive (AD) to all Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes, specifically those models prior to serial number 586. The directive mandates modifications to the elevator assembly as outlined in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 50 and requires compliance before 15 August 1966. This regulation is integral to ensuring the airworthiness of these aircraft within the Australian airspace and is enforced nationwide, covering both private and commercial operators of the specified aircraft models. No exclusions or exemptions are explicitly mentioned in the text, and the directive applies directly to the specified aircraft without the need for subordinate instruments to extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outlines various directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. For the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes, one of the key provisions is AD/PC-6/12 (paragraph 39.105.002). This directive mandates modifications to the elevator assembly for all models prior to serial number 586. The requirement is for compliance to be achieved before 15 August 1966, as documented in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 50. This directive ensures that the elevator assembly meets certain safety standards, preventing potential hazards that could compromise flight safety. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and precise. Operators of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the specified modifications to the elevator assembly are carried out before the given deadline. This involves a thorough inspection of the aircraft, identification of the applicable models, and execution of the required modifications as detailed in Pilatus SB No. 50. The directive leaves no room for interpretation, demanding strict adherence to the outlined safety measures. Failure to comply with AD/PC-6/12 can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant penalties. The specific consequences for breaching this directive include fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The severity of these penalties underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. The regulations do not specify the exact maximum penalties in the provided text, but such breaches can lead to substantial legal and financial repercussions.