COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Radio Communication and Navigation Equipment
AD/RAD/49 Collins TPR-720 ATC Radar Beacon
System/Mode S Transponders
10/92
Applicability: TPR-720 Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System/Mode S Transponders Part Numbers 622-7878-020 and 622-7878-120.
Requirement: Either modify the transponder software in accordance with the instructions in Collins Service Bulletin 8, TPR-720-34-08 dated 19 September 1990 or alternately, modify the transponder hardware in accordance with the instructions in Collins Service Bulletin C, TPR-720-34-C dated 28 April 1992.
Note: FAA AD 92-11-09 Amdt 39-8259 refers.
Compliance: Prior to further flight in United States airspace after twelve calendar months from the effective date of this Directive.
Background: The FAA has received numerous reports of an inability to track aircraft, equipped with the affected transponders, in high density air traffic areas because of transponder malfunctions. Compliance with this Directive prevents this type of transponder malfunction.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the safety of radio communication and navigation equipment in aircraft. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation aims to ensure that aircraft maintain a certain standard of airworthiness. The problem it addresses involves the reliability and functionality of the Collins TPR-720 ATC Radar Beacon System/Mode S Transponders, particularly those with part numbers 622-7878-020 and 622-7878-120. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had reported issues with these transponders, including difficulties in tracking aircraft in high-density air traffic areas due to transponder malfunctions. The policy objective of this directive is to mandate modifications to either the transponder software or hardware to prevent such malfunctions and ensure continued compliance with safety standards, particularly for flights in United States airspace.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Subpart 107, includes Airworthiness Directives (AD) governing various aspects of aircraft safety, including radio communication and navigation equipment. AD/RAD/49 pertains to Collins TPR-720 Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System/Mode S Transponders, which must be modified to comply with safety standards to prevent transponder malfunctions. This directive applies to TPR-720 transponders with part numbers 622-7878-020 and 622-7878-120. Operators must either update the transponder software following Collins Service Bulletin 8, TPR-720-34-08 dated 19 September 1990, or modify the hardware as outlined in Collins Service Bulletin C, TPR-720-34-C dated 28 April 1992. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for continued flight in United States airspace twelve calendar months after the directive's effective date. The regulations aim to ensure the safe operation of aircraft within the specified airspace by addressing known issues with the transponders, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 107, establish the requirements for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft through the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs). The AD/RAD/49 pertains to Collins TPR-720 ATC Radar Beacon System/Mode S Transponders, particularly those with Part Numbers 622-7878-020 and 622-7878-120. This directive mandates either a software modification in accordance with Collins Service Bulletin 8, TPR-720-34-08 dated 19 September 1990, or a hardware modification following the instructions in Collins Service Bulletin C, TPR-720-34-C dated 28 April 1992. These modifications are critical to ensure the transponders function correctly, thereby preventing malfunctions that could hinder the tracking of aircraft in high-density air traffic areas.
Compliance with this directive is obligatory for aircraft operators who wish to continue flying in United States airspace beyond twelve calendar months from the effective date of the directive. This requirement is essential to avoid the transponder malfunctions that have been reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The directive references FAA AD 92-11-09 Amdt 39-8259, which further details the necessary actions to rectify the identified issues.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) imposes stringent obligations on the parties governed by this AD. Aircraft operators must ensure that the specified modifications are carried out within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to comply with these modifications not only risks the safety of the flight but also legal repercussions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The directive underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols to maintain the airworthiness of aircraft.
Failure to comply with AD/RAD/49 can result in severe consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed under Section 94 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which can include fines up to the statutory maximum or other financial penalties. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment for up to two years, or both a fine and imprisonment. These penalties underscore the critical nature of adhering to the AD to prevent potential safety hazards and legal ramifications.