AD/PC-6/18 - Horizontal Stabiliser Tip Plates - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive AD/PC-6/18 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to address specific safety concerns with the horizontal stabiliser tip plates on Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. The legislation was enacted to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of these aircraft models, specifically those with serial numbers 514, 523, 530, 531, 534, 547, 551, 552, 557, and 563. This directive was issued to ensure compliance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 71, effective before 2 November 1967. The policy objective of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is to maintain a high standard of safety in civil aviation by establishing and enforcing regulations that govern the operation and maintenance of aircraft within Australian airspace. The enactment of this specific directive reflects CASA's commitment to identifying and mitigating potential safety risks associated with aircraft design and maintenance.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes with specific serial numbers, namely 514, 523, 530, 531, 534, 547, 551, 552, 557 and 563. This regulation mandates modifications to the horizontal stabiliser tip plates of these aircraft. The regulation applies at the Commonwealth level, ensuring a standardised approach to aviation safety across Australia. The requirement to comply with the directive before 2 November 1967 is clearly stated, indicating a specific deadline for the modification. While the regulation is precise in its applicability, it does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that all specified aircraft must adhere to the directive. Additionally, the regulation may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, thereby allowing for further clarification or modification of its scope and application.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Airworthiness Directive AD/PC-6/18 which pertains specifically to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. The directive, detailed in section 105 of PART 39 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, focuses on the modification of horizontal stabiliser tip plates for particular models of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series (sections 105(1)-(3)). This directive applies to aeroplanes with specific serial numbers: 514, 523, 530, 531, 534, 547, 551, 552, 557, and 563. The requirement is to adhere to the instructions provided in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 71, and compliance must be achieved before 2 November 1967. Entities governed by this directive must ensure that the specified models of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series undergo the required modifications to the horizontal stabiliser tip plates. This entails a thorough inspection and, if necessary, modification to meet the safety standards set forth in Pilatus SB No. 71. The responsibility lies with the aircraft owner, operator, or maintenance provider to ensure that these modifications are completed by the stipulated deadline to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with Airworthiness Directive AD/PC-6/18 may result in serious legal and safety consequences. Under section 83 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to penalties. The potential penalties include fines, with the maximum penalty for contravening a Civil Aviation Order being $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations, as stipulated in section 12AB of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance can also lead to the grounding of the affected aircraft, which could result in significant operational disruptions and safety risks. The severity of the consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the continued safety and airworthiness of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes.