COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PC-6/50 Inboard Fuel Tanks Rib Structure 3/2003
Applicability: Model PC-6 Series aircraft, with serial numbers up to and including MSN 939. Requirement: Action in accordance with Pilatus Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 57-002
Note: Switzerland FOCA AD HB 2003-092 refers.
Compliance: For Part A of the Requirement document:
At the next scheduled maintenance inspection after 20 March 2003 or before 30 June 2003, whichever occurs first.
For Part B of the Requirement document:
If Service Bulletin No. 118 is not incorporated, accomplish before 30 September 2003.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 March 2003.
Background: Crack damage has occurred in the ribs in the inboard integral fuel tanks in the left and right wings of PC-6 aircraft.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 6 February 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 February 2003.
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Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within the country. This legislation, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), was introduced to address various safety concerns and compliance issues in the aviation sector, thereby protecting public safety and promoting the efficient operation of aircraft. One such measure under these regulations is the Airworthiness Directive issued by CASA, specifically targeting the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes to address structural issues in the inboard fuel tanks ribs. The directive mandates specific actions to rectify the identified unsafe conditions, ensuring continued airworthiness and safety in compliance with international standards. The policy objective underpinning these directives is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation, mitigating risks through timely and effective regulatory interventions.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This legislation applies to Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers up to and including MSN 939. The directive mandates corrective actions to be taken to address an unsafe condition identified in the inboard fuel tanks rib structure of these aircraft. This directive applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, and the regulations are enforced by CASA, a federal body. The directive requires specific actions to be undertaken, as outlined in Pilatus Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 57-002, with compliance deadlines set for certain maintenance inspections. Notably, the directive references a corresponding Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation Airworthiness Directive (HB 2003-092), indicating an international alignment in addressing the safety issue. The directive became effective on 20 March 2003, with compliance required at subsequent maintenance inspections by 30 June 2003 for Part A and 30 September 2003 for Part B, unless earlier incorporated in Service Bulletin No. 118.
Key Provisions
The main sections of this Airworthiness Directive (AD) provide clear instructions for addressing an unsafe condition identified in Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series aircraft. Section 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) empowers the delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to issue ADs to ensure aircraft safety. Specifically, AD/PC-6/50 addresses structural integrity issues in the inboard fuel tanks of PC-6 Series aircraft, specifically those with serial numbers up to and including MSN 939. The directive requires actions to be taken in accordance with Pilatus Aircraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 57-002, referencing Switzerland FOCA AD HB 2003-092 for guidance.
The obligations imposed by this AD on the aircraft operators and maintenance personnel are precise. Operators of affected aircraft must ensure compliance with the directive's requirements within specified timeframes. For Part A, compliance must be achieved at the next scheduled maintenance inspection between 20 March 2003 and 30 June 2003. For Part B, if Service Bulletin No. 118 is not incorporated, the necessary actions must be completed before 30 September 2003. Failure to adhere to these timelines and requirements can result in significant safety risks, potentially leading to the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate.
Breaching the requirements of this AD can have serious consequences. While the AD itself does not explicitly state specific offences or penalties, non-compliance with CASA directives can lead to enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. Such actions may include fines and other penalties, which can be substantial. In extreme cases, continued operation of a non-compliant aircraft can result in criminal charges, leading to imprisonment for responsible individuals or entities. Additionally, the operator may face operational restrictions or the grounding of the affected aircraft until compliance is achieved, which can have significant financial and logistical implications.