AD/RAD/19 - "Aircom" VHF Transceiver - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to regulate the safety standards and operational requirements of civil aviation within Australia. These regulations encompass various aspects of aircraft operations, including the airworthiness of aircraft, licensing of personnel, and the maintenance of equipment. Among these regulations is PART 39 - 107, which specifically addresses Airworthiness Directives (AD) for ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft components. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues these directives to address identified safety issues and ensure compliance with aviation safety standards. The policy objective behind these regulations is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation by imposing strict standards and requirements on aircraft operations and maintenance. One specific Airworthiness Directive within this framework is AD/RAD/19, which pertains to the “Aircom” VHF Transceiver - Modification. This directive applies to “AIRCOM” LVC-4 series Transceivers with serial numbers below 499. The directive requires the modification of these transceivers to reduce harmonic radiation from the transmitter to at least 40 decibels below the mean carrier level and to ensure that the receiver radiations do not exceed 50 millimicro watts. The directive suggests that a suitable band pass filter installed in the transmission line close to the transceivers is an acceptable method for compliance. The compliance date for this directive was set before 1 July 1968, underscoring the importance of timely implementation of safety measures in aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the airworthiness of radio communication and navigation equipment, with a focus on the "AIRCOM" LVC-4 series VHF Transceivers. This legislation applies to all AIRCOM LVC-4 series transceivers with serial numbers below 499, mandating that these units must be modified to reduce harmonic radiation from the transmitter to at least 40 decibels below the mean carrier level and to ensure that receiver radiations do not exceed 50 millimicro watts. The requirement is clearly outlined, suggesting the installation of a suitable band pass filter in the transmission line near the transceivers as an acceptable method of compliance. The directive necessitates that the specified modifications be completed before 1 July 1968. This regulation is enforceable throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, applying uniformly across all states and territories, ensuring adherence to safety standards in civil aviation operations.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 107, include a schedule of airworthiness directives which govern the standards and requirements for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft in Australia. One such directive is AD/RAD/19, which pertains to the “Aircom” VHF Transceiver – Modification (section 1/68). This directive applies to “AIRCOM” LVC-4 series Transceivers with serial numbers below 499. The primary requirement under this directive is to modify the equipment to reduce harmonic radiation from the transmitter to at least 40 decibels below the mean carrier level. Additionally, it mandates that the receiver radiations should not exceed 50 millimicro watts. A suitable band pass filter installed in the transmission line close to the transceivers is considered an acceptable method for achieving compliance with these standards. The Civil Aviation Regulations impose several obligations on the parties and entities governed by this directive. Firstly, operators of the affected “AIRCOM” LVC-4 series Transceivers must ensure that the modifications specified in AD/RAD/19 are completed. This includes installing a band pass filter to meet the harmonic radiation and receiver radiation standards outlined in the directive. The modifications must be carried out before the specified deadline, which is 1 July 1968. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, thereby preventing it from being operated until the necessary modifications are made. The Act includes provisions for offences, penalties, and consequences for non-compliance with the airworthiness directives. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally carries significant consequences. Civil penalties may include fines, and in more severe cases, criminal penalties might be imposed. These could include imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of ensuring that aviation safety standards are met. It is important for operators and parties subject to these regulations to ensure full compliance to avoid these potential legal repercussions.