COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 107 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Restraint Equipment
AD/RES/18 Securaiglon (Ex L’Aiglon) Safety Belts - Modification 9/84 Applicability: All passenger seat belts identified in Paragraph 1 of Service Bulletin TRW No. 01. Requirement: TRW RAPA SA. SB No. 01.
Compliance: Modify prior to 31 January 1985.
Background: The manufacturer reports instances where the buckle had jammed in the locked position. Airworthiness Directives have been raised on helicopters which have Securaiglon belts fitted at certification, however those belts may also have been fitted to other helicopters or aeroplanes.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation. Part 39, specifically, addresses the airworthiness of aircraft, including the safety of restraint equipment. One of the key aspects covered under this part is the Airworthiness Directive AD/RES/18 concerning the Securaiglon safety belts. This directive was introduced to address instances where the buckles of these safety belts had jammed in the locked position, posing a significant safety risk to passengers. The mandate requires that all passenger seat belts identified in the directive must be modified prior to 31 January 1985 to prevent such malfunctions. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft by mitigating safety hazards associated with the Securaiglon safety belts.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 107, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) concerning restraint equipment for civil aviation. The AD/RES/18 pertains to the modification of Securaiglon (Ex L’Aiglon) safety belts, requiring modifications to all passenger seat belts identified in Paragraph 1 of Service Bulletin TRW No. 01. This directive applies to all aircraft fitted with Securaiglon belts, whether originally certified or subsequently fitted. Compliance is mandatory, with modifications needing to be completed prior to 31 January 1985. The AD is issued in response to reports of buckle jamming in the locked position, posing a safety risk. The directive's reach is nationwide, applying across all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniformity in safety standards across the aviation industry. Subordinate instruments may further specify details or extend the scope of application, but the core requirement remains consistent with the mandate to enhance safety in civil aviation.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 107, incorporate the Safety of Flight Division's Airworthiness Directives, which are crucial for maintaining the safety standards of aircraft operations. The particular directive AD/RES/18 addresses the modification of Securaiglon (Ex L’Aiglon) Safety Belts. According to the directive (9/84), the applicability extends to all passenger seat belts as identified in Paragraph 1 of Service Bulletin TRW RAPA SA. SB No. 01. The primary requirement is a modification of these belts to prevent buckles from jamming in the locked position, a known issue reported by the manufacturer.
This directive imposes specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. They are required to identify the affected passenger seat belts and ensure that they are modified prior to 31 January 1985. The modification must comply with the guidelines set forth in the Service Bulletin TRW RAPA SA. SB No. 01, which provides detailed instructions on how to address the jamming issue. Failure to comply with these directives may compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, leading to potential airworthiness issues.
Failure to adhere to the requirements outlined in the Airworthiness Directives can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential prosecution. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, but it is imperative for operators to ensure that all safety directives are followed to avoid these repercussions. Additionally, non-compliance can lead to the grounding of aircraft, which can have significant operational and financial implications for the operators.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, therefore, establish a robust framework for maintaining the highest safety standards in aviation. By specifying detailed directives and setting clear compliance deadlines, the regulations ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety requirements. The consequences for non-compliance are significant, underscoring the importance of adhering to these safety mandates. Ensuring that Securaiglon safety belts are modified as per the directive is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical step in safeguarding the lives of passengers and crew members.