AD/PC-6/32 - Elevator Attachment Bracket - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B06136, were enacted to maintain and enhance aviation safety in Australia. This legislation, overseen by the Australian Parliament, was introduced to address the need for stringent and updated safety protocols in the aviation industry, ensuring that aircraft operations comply with internationally recognised safety standards. The policy objective is to mandate specific inspection and modification procedures for the elevator attachment bracket of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, aiming to mitigate risks associated with structural integrity and enhance overall aircraft safety. This regulation specifically targets the inspection and reinforcement of the elevator attachment bracket to prevent potential rework and cracking, ensuring the continued airworthiness of these aircraft. The instrument sets out detailed requirements for inspecting and modifying the elevator attachment bracket of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes to address identified safety concerns. It mandates inspections to be conducted within specific timeframes post the directive's issuance date of 24 August 1971, with subsequent inspections and modifications required at defined intervals to maintain safety standards. The enforcement of these measures is critical in preventing structural failures and ensuring the operational safety of the aircraft, thereby protecting both crew and passengers.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all models of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes. This Act mandates inspections and modifications to the elevator attachment bracket, particularly P/N 6300.0011.00, to ensure compliance with safety standards. The requirement involves inspecting the bracket for evidence of reworking of the flange and any cracking, with subsequent repairs or reinforcement as specified in Pilatus SB No. 107. Compliance deadlines are set, with the first inspection and potential modifications due within 10 hours of service after 24 August 1971, followed by further inspections and modifications at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of service until the final reinforcement is completed within 200 hours of service after 24 August 1971 or before 31 December 1971, whichever comes first. This legislation ensures that all relevant operators and entities comply with the outlined safety directives to maintain airworthiness standards for these aircraft.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Airworthiness Directives for Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, include detailed requirements for the inspection and modification of the elevator attachment bracket. Section 1 mandates the inspection of the elevator attachment bracket P/N 6300.0011.00 for any signs of reworking of the flange as detailed in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 107. If such reworking is identified, the subsequent steps outlined in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the directive must be followed. Section 2 requires inspecting the elevator attachment bracket in accordance with paragraph 2.1 of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 107 for any evidence of cracking. If cracking is detected, the repair procedures outlined in the Service Bulletin must be implemented. Finally, Section 3 requires the reinforcement of the elevator attachment bracket as specified in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 107. The obligations imposed by these provisions necessitate that operators of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes conduct the specified inspections and modifications within defined timeframes. Specifically, for Section 1, inspections must occur within 10 hours of time in service after 24 August 1971. For Section 2, inspections must also occur within 10 hours of time in service after 24 August 1971 and then at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the reinforcement specified in Section 3 is accomplished. Section 3 requires that the reinforcement of the elevator attachment bracket must be completed within 200 hours of time in service after 24 August 1971 or before 31 December 1971, whichever comes first. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in these sections may result in significant consequences. Although specific penalties are not detailed within the provided text, non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 generally carries substantial civil and potentially criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, and in severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against individuals or corporations responsible for the non-compliance. The potential penalties are intended to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained, thus protecting the public and ensuring the integrity of civil aviation operations.