AD/RAD/44 - Collins DME-42 Distance Measuring Equipment

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, are a comprehensive set of regulations designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, these regulations aim to address various issues related to the operation of aircraft, including the maintenance and airworthiness of equipment. The specific legislation in question pertains to Airworthiness Directives, particularly those related to radio communication and navigation equipment, and was introduced to ensure that all equipment complies with the necessary safety standards. In this context, the Collins DME-42 Distance Measuring Equipment is subject to modifications to rectify identified software issues that could lead to erroneous display of DME information. The policy objective is to maintain the highest safety standards for aircraft operations by mandating compliance with the specified service bulletin and ensuring that any affected equipment is modified or replaced as required. This legislative instrument, AD/RAD/44, requires Collins Model DME-42 part number 622-6263-002 units to be modified in accordance with Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin DME 42 No. 6, dated 15 October 1986. The directive applies to equipment already fitted to aircraft, requiring modification within 25 hours of service after 12 March 1987 or before 12 May 1987, whichever comes first. For equipment not yet fitted, modifications must be made before it is installed on an aircraft. This directive is crucial in preventing potential navigation errors that could compromise flight safety, thereby fulfilling the overarching goal of maintaining stringent safety standards in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 107, applies to all aircraft operators and maintenance personnel in Australia. The regulations pertain to the maintenance and operation of radio communication and navigation equipment, ensuring that such equipment adheres to the standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/RAD/44 concerning Collins DME-42 Distance Measuring Equipment is targeted at correcting known faults in the Collins Model DME-42 part number 622-6263-002. The directive requires modifications in accordance with Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin DME 42 No. 6, dated 15 October 1986, to prevent erroneous display of DME information due to tuning errors. Compliance with this directive must be achieved either within 25 hours of the equipment being in service after 12 March 1987 or before 12 May 1987, whichever is the earlier date, if the equipment is already fitted to an aircraft. If the equipment is not yet fitted, modifications must be made before installation. This legislation has a national reach, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth of Australia, and extends its requirements through subordinate instruments as necessary to ensure aviation safety.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in relation to the Collins DME-42 Distance Measuring Equipment, are found under Part 39 - 107, in the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives (AD/RAD/44). Section 3/87 mandates that Collins Model DME-42 part number 622-6263-002 must be modified in accordance with Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin DME 42 No. 6, dated 15 October 1986. This requirement is noted to correlate with FAA AD 86-22-10. The modification must be carried out either within 25 hours of the equipment’s time in service after 12 March 1987, or before 12 May 1987, whichever comes first. If the equipment is not already installed on an aircraft, the modification must be completed before its fitment. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include ensuring that all Collins DME-42 units are promptly modified as specified. The directive applies to any Collins Model DME-42 part number 622-6263-002 in use or awaiting installation. Operators and owners of such equipment must adhere strictly to the timelines and procedures outlined, ensuring that the necessary modifications are performed to prevent potential operational risks. This includes maintaining thorough records of compliance with the Airworthiness Directive to demonstrate adherence to regulatory standards. Failure to comply with the requirements stipulated in this directive can result in serious consequences. Section 91.301 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 outlines potential penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. Breaches can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. For civil penalties, fines can be imposed up to a significant amount, reflecting the severity of neglecting safety directives. Criminal consequences may also apply, leading to imprisonment, particularly if the non-compliance is found to have directly contributed to an aviation incident or accident. The specific maximum penalties are detailed within the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Act, but the overarching intent is to enforce stringent compliance to maintain aviation safety standards.