AD/PC-6/30 - Anti-Reverse System - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, serve to regulate the safety and operational standards within the aviation industry. Specifically, Part 39, which includes the 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the imperative need to maintain and enhance aircraft safety through detailed directives. The particular legislative instrument F2006B06134 focuses on the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, providing a mandatory requirement for the modification of the anti-reverse system to mitigate potential risks associated with engine reversal. This directive aims to ensure that all applicable aircraft are compliant with safety standards, thereby safeguarding both crew and passengers. This legislative measure was introduced to address safety concerns identified with the anti-reversing system in the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, particularly for those with serial numbers prior to 726. The policy objective is to ensure that the modifications and tests specified are rigorously followed, enhancing the overall safety of these aircraft within the Australian aviation framework. The directive mandates specific modifications and testing protocols to be adhered to within prescribed timeframes, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the anti-reverse system for specific models. This legislation applies to all Pilatus Porter PC-6/B1-H2 series aircraft with serial numbers prior to 726. The regulations demand that the anti-reversing circuit be modified as per paragraph 2.21 of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 101, with the anti-reversing valve tested according to paragraph 2.1 of Pilatus Service Notice No. 101, and the anti-reversing system function tested as per paragraph 2.22 of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 101. Compliance with these directives requires the specified modifications to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1970, and subsequent tests must be performed at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This directive ensures that the specified aircraft maintain their airworthiness standards in accordance with the stipulated safety measures.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, includes specific directives aimed at ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft. In this instance, the regulation AD/PC-6/30 pertains to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers prior to 726. The main operative sections of this directive require modifications to the anti-reverse system of these aircraft to ensure their continued safe operation (AD/PC-6/30). The modifications involve altering the anti-reversing circuit according to paragraph 2.21 of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 101, and performing a test on the anti-reversing valve as outlined in paragraph 2.1 of the same bulletin (AD/PC-6/30). Additionally, a function test of the anti-reversing system must be conducted in accordance with paragraph 2.22 of the same service bulletin (AD/PC-6/30). The obligations imposed by this regulation require operators of the affected Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes to implement the specified modifications and tests. Specifically, the anti-reversing circuit must be modified within 100 hours of time in service following 31 December 1970 (AD/PC-6/30). Furthermore, the tests on the anti-reversing valve and the function test of the anti-reversing system must be performed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1970 and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service (AD/PC-6/30). These requirements ensure that the aircraft maintain the necessary safety standards to prevent propeller reversal, which could potentially lead to accidents or unsafe conditions during flight. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in this regulation may result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to significant civil or criminal penalties. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within this particular directive, general provisions within the Civil Aviation Act 1988 outline potential sanctions for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. These penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach and the circumstances surrounding it. The specific maximum penalties would be determined by the relevant courts when a case is prosecuted.