AD/PC-6/6 - Tail Plane - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia to provide comprehensive regulations governing civil aviation within Australia. This piece of legislation was introduced to address the need for a cohesive and enforceable framework to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations, including the regulation of airworthiness and safety directives. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as part of the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure and Transport, is the body responsible for the administration and enforcement of these regulations. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain and enhance the safety standards of civil aviation through stringent compliance requirements and regular updates to address emerging safety concerns. This specific legislative instrument, which pertains to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes and mandates modifications to the tail plane, is part of the broader effort to ensure that all aircraft meet the required airworthiness standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, apply to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 580. This legislation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and pertains to the modification of the tail plane of the specified aircraft models. The regulation ensures that these aircraft meet certain airworthiness standards by mandating compliance with Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 27A before 15 April 1966. This directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, and it extends to all entities and individuals involved in the operation, maintenance, and modification of these aircraft within Australian jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this specific directive, and compliance is mandatory for the specified models within the designated timeframe. The scope of the regulation can be further refined or expanded through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, establish specific safety directives for the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, focusing on the tail plane modification as outlined in AD/PC-6/6 (3/66). These regulations mandate that all models with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 580 must comply with the specified modifications. The directive references Pilatus SB No. 27A, which details the necessary changes to be implemented to ensure the airworthiness of these aircraft. Compliance with these modifications is required before 15 April 1966. Entities and individuals governed by these regulations have clear obligations to ensure that the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes meet the stipulated safety requirements. This includes verifying that the specified tail plane modifications have been completed and documented as per the guidelines in Pilatus SB No. 27A. Operators of these aircraft must ensure that the modifications are performed by qualified personnel and that the aircraft is inspected to confirm compliance before resuming flight operations. The onus is on the operator to maintain records of all modifications and inspections to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directives set out in AD/PC-6/6 (3/66) may result in severe consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines and potential criminal charges. The exact penalties are not specified in the provided excerpt, but they are likely to be significant given the critical nature of the modifications. Operators and individuals found to be in breach of these regulations may face legal action, including civil penalties for each instance of non-compliance, and in more severe cases, criminal charges that could lead to imprisonment. Ensuring adherence to these directives is paramount for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes.