AD/PC-6/20 - Trim Cable Guide Tubes - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 2006, specifically address the maintenance and safety of aircraft through the implementation of airworthiness directives, including AD/PC-6/20. This particular directive was introduced to ensure the safety of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes by mandating regular inspections of trim cable guide tubes. The problem it addresses involves potential mechanical failures or wear of the trim cable guide tubes, which could compromise the aircraft's control and stability. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, the policy objective is to maintain high safety standards within the aviation industry, ensuring that aircraft meet the necessary requirements to operate safely and reliably.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, applies to Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes that have not been modified in accordance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 72. This legislation mandates a specific inspection of trim cable guide tubes to ensure continued airworthiness of the aircraft. The regulation is binding for all aircraft of the specified series that fall outside the modifications described in the referenced service bulletin. The regulatory scope extends across the Commonwealth, ensuring a uniform standard of airworthiness across Australia. The inspection must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance date of 2 November 1967. This requirement underscores the importance of regular maintenance checks to uphold safety standards in civil aviation. While the primary directive is clear, the application and enforcement of these regulations may be supplemented or detailed further through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain detailed provisions governing the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. Under section 39-105(1), an Airworthiness Directive (AD) has been issued for these aircraft, denoted as AD/PC-6/20. This directive mandates the inspection of trim cable guide tubes at intervals not exceeding 50 hours of time in service following the directive's effective date of 2 November 1967. The directive is applicable to all models of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series unless they have already been modified in accordance with Pilatus Service Bulletin (SB) No. 72. The obligations imposed by this directive require aircraft operators to ensure that the specified inspections are conducted at the prescribed intervals. Operators must maintain records of these inspections, which serve as evidence of compliance with the AD. The regulations also require operators to use qualified personnel for the inspection process, ensuring that the technicians are trained and authorised to perform such checks. The documentation associated with each inspection must be thorough and should include details such as the date of inspection, the serial number of the aircraft, and the name and signature of the inspector. Failure to comply with the AD/PC-6/20 could result in serious consequences. Under section 39-105(2), non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive is considered a breach of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Such breaches may lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The potential penalties for non-compliance can include fines and other sanctions. The specific monetary penalties are not detailed in the provided text, but they can be significant, reflecting the importance of maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. Additionally, failure to comply with these directives could result in the grounding of the aircraft, which could have severe operational and financial implications for the operator.