AD/RAD/15 - Localiser Flag Circuit - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. These regulations, which are detailed in PART 39 - 107, establish standards for airworthiness, including the mandatory compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs). AD/RAD/15, specifically addressing the modification of localiser flag circuits in VHF COM/NAV equipment, was introduced to mitigate safety risks associated with the operation of the ARC Type 317A. The directive aims to modify the equipment so that the localiser flag circuit is energised by the output of the 90 and 150 cycle filters, as specified in Rex Aviation Radio Design Change No. 6. Compliance with this directive was required before 1 January 1966, reflecting the policy objective to enhance aviation safety through standardised modifications of critical navigational equipment.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, mandates that Airworthiness Directives (AD) apply to all aircraft operators, manufacturers, and maintenance service providers within the Commonwealth of Australia. This particular AD/RAD/15 targets the modification of the localiser flag circuit in VHF COM/NAV Equipment ARC Type 317A, ensuring that the equipment is energised by the output of the 90 and 150 cycle filters. This directive requires compliance before 1 January 1966, making it imperative for relevant parties to modify their equipment to meet the specified safety standards. The regulation extends to all aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction, and adherence is mandatory with no exclusions or exemptions, emphasising the importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols in civil aviation.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 107, addresses the Airworthiness Directives concerning radio communication and navigation equipment. One notable directive, AD/RAD/15, pertains to the localiser flag circuit of VHF COM/NAV Equipment ARC Type 317A (Section 9/65). This directive requires that the equipment be modified so that the localiser flag circuit is energised by the output of the 90 and 150 cycle filters. Compliance with this directive must be achieved before 1 January 1966, and the incorporation of the relevant section of Rex Aviation Radio Design Change No. 6 is recognised as an acceptable means of achieving compliance. Operators and owners of aircraft equipped with the specified VHF COM/NAV Equipment ARC Type 317A are obligated to implement the modifications outlined in AD/RAD/15. This involves ensuring that the localiser flag circuit is correctly energised by the specified filters, as stipulated. The directive mandates adherence to the design change noted in Rex Aviation Radio Design Change No. 6, providing a clear pathway for compliance. Failure to comply with this directive by the specified deadline could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to grounding and other regulatory actions. In terms of enforcement, breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly concerning airworthiness directives, can lead to serious consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance with AD/RAD/15 are not detailed in the provided text, general regulations under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 may apply. These could include substantial fines, enforcement notices, and in severe cases, prosecution leading to criminal charges. Additionally, operators may face civil liability for any incidents arising from non-compliance, underscoring the importance of adhering to the specified modifications and timelines.