AD/PC-6/7 - Tail Plane Hinge Bracket - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. A notable component of these regulations is Part 39, which includes the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, one example being AD/PC-6/7 concerning the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. This legislation was introduced to address the need for ongoing maintenance and inspection of aircraft to ensure they meet safety standards and remain airworthy. The specific directive regarding the tail plane hinge bracket inspection aims to mitigate potential risks associated with this component, ensuring the continued safety of these aircraft in operation. The policy objective underpinning these regulations is to uphold the highest safety standards in civil aviation, protecting both passengers and crew while promoting a robust and reliable aviation industry.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, with a focus on ensuring the airworthiness of the tail plane hinge bracket. This legislation mandates that all models of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes must adhere to the inspection requirements outlined in AD/PC-6/7, which is documented in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 40. The inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service after 15 April 1966, ensuring the continued safety and compliance of these aircraft with civil aviation standards. The application of this regulation is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and it applies nationally within Australia, ensuring consistent enforcement of airworthiness standards across all states and territories. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this specific directive, and its application is strictly enforced as per the stipulated intervals.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39, Section 105, mandate airworthiness directives for certain aircraft models, including the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Section AD/PC-6/7 requires that all models of the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes undergo an inspection of the tail plane hinge bracket at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service after 15 April 1966. This directive is documented in Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 40 and must be adhered to in order to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness. The obligations imposed by these regulations on aircraft operators and maintenance providers include ensuring that the required inspections are carried out within the specified intervals. Operators must maintain accurate records of the inspections performed, including the date, the person who performed the inspection, and any actions taken as a result of the findings. The maintenance provider, on the other hand, must be qualified and authorised by CASA to perform such inspections and repairs, if necessary, on the Pilatus Porter PC-6 Series Aeroplanes. Failure to comply with these airworthiness directives can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions by CASA, including the suspension or revocation of the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness. In addition, operators who fail to comply with the inspection requirements may face financial penalties, with the maximum penalty being $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for corporations, as stipulated in the Act. Furthermore, criminal charges may be brought against individuals who recklessly engage in conduct that breaches these regulations, potentially resulting in imprisonment for up to two years. The strict enforcement of these provisions underscores the importance of maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.