AD/PC-6/35 - Rudder Bars in Cockpit - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form part of a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety of civil aviation operations within the country. This legislative instrument aims to address potential safety gaps and ensure that all aircraft meet specific airworthiness standards. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these regulations provides for the issuance of airworthiness directives, which are binding orders requiring the correction of an unsafe condition on an aircraft. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of safety in civil aviation, thereby protecting the lives of passengers and crew, and preserving the integrity of the aviation industry. One example of such a directive is AD/PC-6/35, which pertains to the inspection of rudder bars in the cockpits of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 338 to 623. This directive is based on Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 120 and mandates compliance with the detailed requirements set forth in the accompanying document. The directive seeks to ensure that any identified unsafe conditions are rectified, thereby maintaining the airworthiness of the affected aircraft and contributing to the overarching goal of aviation safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which include AD/PC-6/35 for the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes. This legislation applies to all Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 338 to 623. The directive mandates an inspection of the rudder bars in the cockpit as detailed in the requirement document, referencing Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 120, ensuring compliance with the specified requirements. The scope of the directive encompasses the aviation industry, specifically targeting the operators or owners of the affected Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation extends across the national jurisdiction, ensuring that the safety standards are uniformly upheld throughout the country. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive; all applicable aircraft must adhere to the inspection requirements set forth to maintain airworthiness. Subordinate instruments may further detail or refine the implementation of these directives, but the primary responsibility for compliance lies with the aircraft operators and owners.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety standards and requirements for aircraft, including the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. Section 39.105 (1) outlines the general applicability of airworthiness directives, which mandate compliance for certain aircraft models. In this case, the airworthiness directive AD/PC-6/35 focuses on the rudder bars in the cockpit of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) between 338 and 623. The directive mandates that these aircraft undergo an inspection as detailed in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 120. The requirement document provides the specific steps and procedures that must be followed to ensure compliance with the directive. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes within the specified serial number range. These obligations include conducting the required inspections as per the instructions in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 120. Operators must ensure that the inspections are performed by qualified personnel and that any identified issues are rectified in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Additionally, operators must maintain accurate records of all inspections and repairs conducted under this airworthiness directive. These records must be readily available for inspection by CASA upon request, ensuring transparency and accountability in maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in the airworthiness directive AD/PC-6/35 can result in significant legal and financial consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can be considered an offence. Operators who fail to adhere to the inspection and maintenance requirements may face penalties, which can include fines and, in severe cases, the grounding of the affected aircraft. The specific penalties are outlined in the regulations and can vary based on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance. Additionally, any accidents or incidents resulting from non-compliance could lead to further civil or criminal liabilities, including potential charges of negligence or endangerment. Therefore, it is crucial for operators to take the airworthiness directive seriously and ensure full compliance to avoid these adverse outcomes.