AD/ROBIN/1 - Pilot Safety Harness - Change of Straps

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by F2006B06606, introduced the requirement to address safety concerns related to the pilot safety harness in Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to ensure that all Avions Pierre Robin Aircraft comply with specific airworthiness directives. The primary aim of this regulation is to mandate the replacement of the pilot safety harness part numbers EFA 602-596 M2 or EFA 602-596-1 M2 if these are fitted, with a serviceable, approved item. The policy objective is to enhance flight safety by addressing potential harness failures, as referenced in Etudes et Fabrications Aeronautiques SB No. 6. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of the aircraft's time in service following 31 May 1978.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, mandate the application of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's airworthiness directives, including AD/ROBIN/1 concerning pilot safety harness changes for all Avions Pierre Robin aircraft. This regulation is applicable to any aircraft within the Robin Aviation series, ensuring that they adhere to the prescribed safety standards. The requirement mandates the removal of the existing pilot safety harness part numbers EFA 602-596 M2 or EFA 602-596-1 M2 if installed, and the replacement with a serviceable, approved item, as referenced in Etudes et Fabrications Aeronautiques SB No. 6. Compliance with these directives must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service following the directive's issuance date of 31 May 1978. The regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth, applying uniformly throughout all states and territories of Australia, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of the provided text.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This includes AD/ROBIN/1, which pertains to the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, particularly the requirement for a change in pilot safety harness straps. Under section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, all Avions Pierre Robin Aircraft are required to replace their pilot safety harness part numbers EFA 602-596 M2 or EFA 602-596-1 M2 if these are currently fitted. The replacement must be with a serviceable, approved item, as referenced in Etudes et Fabrications Aeronautiques Service Bulletin No. 6. The compliance period for this directive is within 100 hours of time in service after 31 May 1978. The Act imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of Avions Pierre Robin Aircraft to ensure that their aircraft meet the safety standards set out in the Airworthiness Directives. Operators must ensure that their aircraft comply with the requirement to replace the specified pilot safety harness straps within the prescribed timeframe. This involves conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft to determine if the specified harness parts are installed and then replacing them with an approved, serviceable item if necessary. The operators must also maintain records of the compliance action taken and the date of compliance to demonstrate adherence to the regulation. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/ROBIN/1 can result in significant consequences. Firstly, non-compliance may lead to the aircraft being deemed unairworthy, which can result in grounding and refusal of airworthiness certification. This in turn can prevent the aircraft from being legally operated until the compliance issue is resolved. In terms of penalties, while the Civil Aviation Regulations do not explicitly state maximum penalties for non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives, the broader Civil Aviation Act 1988 does provide for potential civil and criminal penalties for breaches of aviation regulations. These can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court.