AD/RES/28 - Pacific Scientific Lift Lever Buckle Assemblies

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) schedule of airworthiness directives to ensure aircraft safety. Enacted by the Australian Government, these regulations are designed to address safety issues related to aircraft equipment, including restraint systems. This particular regulation, AD/RES/28, was introduced to mitigate risks associated with the Pacific Scientific lift lever buckle assemblies in lap belts and restraint systems, following an incident in the United States where passengers experienced difficulties in releasing their lap belts during an emergency. The objective is to ensure the prompt replacement of defective assemblies to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents. The policy objective is to mandate the removal and replacement of specified Pacific Scientific lift lever buckle assemblies to maintain the highest safety standards for passengers and crew. The Australian Government, through CASA, has established a compliance deadline of 18 February 1995 for the removal and replacement of the affected Pacific Scientific lift lever buckle assemblies in lap belts and restraint systems. This action aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) proposed Airworthiness Directive, allowing for a longer compliance period to ensure that operators have sufficient time to implement the necessary changes. The regulation specifically targets Pacific Scientific Service Bulletins 1108435-25-01 and 1108460-25-01, dated 28 April 1994, to ensure that any affected aircraft are equipped with safe and reliable restraint systems. Rotary type buckles are excluded from this directive.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 107, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the safety of restraint equipment used in civil aviation, particularly the Pacific Scientific lift lever buckle assemblies. This regulation applies to all aircraft operators and maintenance personnel who utilise Pacific Scientific lap belts and restraint systems that incorporate the identified lift lever buckle assemblies. The directive mandates the removal and replacement of these specific buckle assemblies with new ones as per the Service Bulletins 1108435-25-01 or 1108460-25-01 dated 28 April 1994. It is important to note that this directive does not affect rotary type buckles. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved before 18 February 1995. The directive extends its reach to any aircraft operator or entity within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that the safety measures are uniformly implemented across all relevant sectors of the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 107, mandate the safety standards and operational requirements for restraint equipment used in aircraft. Section 98.203(1) and (2) require that any Pacific Scientific lap belts and restraint systems incorporating a lift lever buckle assembly must be removed from service and replaced with new assemblies. This is detailed in AD/RES/28 concerning Pacific Scientific Lift Lever Buckle Assemblies dated 9/94. The requirement is explicitly stated in the Requirement Documents, which reference specific Service Bulletins (1108435-25-01 and 1108460-25-01) dated 28 April 1994. It is important to note that rotary type buckles are not affected by this directive. Compliance with these provisions is mandatory for all entities governed by the Civil Aviation Regulations. Specifically, the regulation demands that the identified Pacific Scientific lap belts and restraint systems be removed from service and replaced with new assemblies in accordance with the Service Bulletins before 18 February 1995. This requirement is part of the broader framework to ensure that aircraft restraint equipment meets stringent safety standards, especially in light of the reported difficulties in releasing lap belts following a crash landing in the USA. Failure to comply with these directives can result in significant legal consequences. Under Section 98.207 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This may include administrative penalties, which can be substantial, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties are not specified in the legislative instrument, but they can include fines and potential imprisonment depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. These measures underscore the importance of adhering to the outlined safety requirements to protect passengers and maintain the integrity of civil aviation operations.