AD/RAD/68 Amdt 2 - Mode C Transponder Altitude Checks

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, includes a schedule of Airworthiness Directives that govern the maintenance and operation of aircraft in Australia. One such directive, AD/RAD/68 Amdt 2, initially mandated Mode C Transponder Altitude Checks for aircraft, but has since been revoked. This revocation, enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, Eugene Paul Holzapfel, aligns with the decision of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to rescind a similar directive, FAA AD 99-23-22R1. The FAA's determination that repetitive tests were unnecessary and led to increased component wear resulted in the cancellation of AD/RAD/68 Amdt 2, which was officially notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 17 May 2000. This action reflects a policy objective to streamline regulatory requirements and reduce unnecessary maintenance burdens on operators, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety and efficiency.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 107, governs the airworthiness directives within Australia, ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of aviation operations. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD) pertains to radio communication and navigation equipment, specifically focusing on Mode C Transponder Altitude Checks. The directive, AD/RAD/68 Amendment 2, has been revoked due to its alignment with a rescinded United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive, which determined that repetitive tests are unnecessary and contribute to increased component wear. The revocation of this directive applies to all entities and individuals operating aircraft within Australia that were subject to the requirements of AD/RAD/68 Amendment 2. The decision to revoke the directive was made by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and was officially notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 17 May 2000, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed of the changes in regulatory requirements.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, particularly focusing on the radio communication and navigation equipment, include Section 107, which revokes Airworthiness Directive AD/RAD/68 Amendment 2. This amendment pertains specifically to Mode C Transponder Altitude Checks, and it is noted that this directive has been cancelled (s.107). The background section explains that this directive was originally based on a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive (s.107). The CASA delegate, Eugene Paul Holzapfel, has revoked this directive as the FAA determined that repetitive tests were unnecessary and could cause component wear (s.107). The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties and entities it governs include compliance with the Airworthiness Directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Operators of aircraft must ensure that their radio communication and navigation equipment meets the safety standards set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Specifically, the revocation of AD/RAD/68 Amendment 2 means that there is no longer a requirement for repetitive Mode C Transponder Altitude Checks. This relieves operators from the burden of conducting these checks and potentially reduces wear and tear on their aircraft equipment. Any breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 may result in civil or criminal penalties. For example, failing to comply with Airworthiness Directives can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. The specific penalties are not detailed within the text provided, but they can be severe, as non-compliance with aviation safety regulations can pose significant risks to public safety. It is essential for operators to stay informed about the current Airworthiness Directives and ensure their compliance to avoid any legal consequences.