AD/ROBIN/19 - Throttle Control

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, serve as a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation operations within the country. One aspect of these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. For instance, AD/ROBIN/19 pertains to the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, specifically the ATL models with serial numbers 110 and above, excluding the ATL "L" type. This directive was introduced in response to a reported incident involving a failure of the throttle cable casing stop at the control lever in the cabin. The objective of this directive is to mandate modifications to the throttle lever control support as detailed in ROBIN Service Bulletin ATL No.9 R1, ensuring the continued airworthiness of affected aircraft. Compliance with this directive is required within 25 hours of time in service after 18 August 1994, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing this safety issue. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), established these regulations to mitigate risks and maintain high safety standards in the aviation industry. The policy objective behind issuing specific ADs like AD/ROBIN/19 is to proactively address identified safety concerns and prevent potential accidents, thereby protecting both passengers and crew. By mandating modifications based on service bulletins and past incidents, CASA ensures that aircraft continue to meet the required safety standards, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, addresses the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s schedule of airworthiness directives, which include directives for Robin Aviation Series aeroplanes. This particular directive, AD/ROBIN/19, applies to all models of Robin Aviation Series aeroplanes with the serial number range of 110 and above, except the ATL “L” type. The regulation requires the modification of the throttle lever control support in accordance with Robin Service Bulletin ATL No.9 R1, referencing DGAC AD 93-118(A)R1. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with the requirement to modify the throttle lever control support within 25 hours of time in service following 18 August 1994. The directive is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant operators and owners within the national jurisdiction adhere to the specified safety measures. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds outlined in this directive, and any further specifications or extensions to its application are managed through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, establish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/ROBIN/19 concerning the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes. This particular directive, issued on 9/94, focuses on the modification of the throttle lever control support for certain models. The directive applies to the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, model ATL, with serial numbers 110 and above, excluding the ATL “L” type (Section 39 - 105). The directive mandates that the throttle lever control support be modified according to Robin Service Bulletin ATL No.9 R1. This modification is in response to a reported issue where the throttle cable casing stop failed at the control lever in the cabin. It is noted that the directive refers to DGAC AD 93-118(A)R1 for additional context and compliance guidelines. Entities governed by this directive, such as aircraft operators and maintenance providers, are required to ensure that the specified modifications are completed within 25 hours of time in service after 18 August 1994. This means that the aircraft must undergo the necessary modifications and be compliant with the directive within this timeframe to maintain airworthiness. The directive does not provide further details on the process for modifications, but it is implied that adherence to Robin Service Bulletin ATL No.9 R1 is essential for compliance. Failure to comply with this Airworthiness Directive may result in civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the directive, the general understanding is that non-compliance with CASA regulations can lead to significant fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operation permits, and potential legal action. Operators and maintainers are expected to diligently follow the directive to avoid such repercussions. While the exact penalties are not outlined in this particular directive, they typically align with the broader civil aviation regulatory framework in Australia.