AD/PC-6/41 - Rudder Pedal Supports

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to establish and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia, ensuring safety and efficiency within the industry. Part 39 of these regulations addresses specific directives aimed at maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft, with particular attention to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. The legislation targets the rudder pedal support systems of these aircraft to mitigate the risk of structural failure that could compromise flight control. By mandating regular inspections in line with detailed service bulletins and instructions, the regulations aim to proactively identify and address potential safety issues, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the policy objective of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 is to ensure that all civil aircraft meet stringent safety standards. This specific directive for the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes was introduced to address a known issue of rudder pedal support tube cracking, which could lead to a loss of control. The regulation requires an initial inspection within five hours of service from a specified date, followed by periodic re-inspections to ensure ongoing airworthiness. This proactive approach is designed to prevent accidents and maintain the high safety standards expected in Australian civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to the applicability and enforcement of Airworthiness Directives, such as AD/PC-6/41 which concerns the rudder pedal supports of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all Pilatus Porter PC-6 aircraft serial numbers 001 to 824 inclusive, provided they are fitted with the specific steel rudder pedal support tube part number 6232.0196.00. The primary requirement of this directive is to visually inspect the rudder pedal support for any signs of cracks using a magnifying glass with a magnification of 10X, in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in Pilatus Service Bulletin SB PC-6-A-162, Accomplishment Instructions A(2). The directive references Swiss FOCA AD HB 89-301, which underscores the international relevance and consistency in addressing this safety concern. Compliance with this directive mandates an initial inspection within 5 hours of time in service from 15 April 1995, with subsequent inspections required at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service. This regulatory framework is designed to mitigate the risk of rudder pedal support failure, which could potentially compromise aircraft control.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes AD/PC-6/41, which pertains to the rudder pedal supports of Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes. This directive applies to all PC-6 aircraft with serial numbers 001 to 824 inclusive that are fitted with steel rudder pedal support tube P/N 6232.0196.00 (Section 1). The main requirement under this directive is to visually inspect the rudder pedal support for cracks using a 10X magnifying glass, following the instructions provided in Pilatus Service Bulletin (SB) PC-6-A-162, Accomplishment Instructions A(2) (Section 2). This inspection is necessary due to reports of cracking in in-service aircraft, and a failure of the rudder pedal support tube could lead to a reduction in control of the aircraft. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties or entities it governs. Owners and operators of affected aircraft must ensure that the initial inspection is conducted within 5 hours of time in service from 15 April 1995. Following this initial inspection, the rudder pedal support must be re-inspected at intervals not to exceed 100 hours of time in service (Section 3). Compliance with these inspection requirements is crucial to maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft and ensuring safety. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/PC-6/41 could result in civil or criminal consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this directive, it is important to note that the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide for significant penalties for breaches of airworthiness requirements, including fines and potential imprisonment for serious offences (Section 4). The severity of the penalties reflects the importance of adhering to safety directives to prevent accidents and ensure the continued safety of aircraft operations.