AD/ROBIN/23 - Anti-Tab Control

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include provisions designed to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft within Australia's airspace. One such provision is found in Part 39, which outlines specific airworthiness directives for various aircraft models. The legislative instrument F2006B06621, pertaining to Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, mandates an anti-tab control directive for certain Robin HR 2000 and HR 200 models. This directive, AD/ROBIN/23, was introduced to address a specific safety concern related to the anti-tab control system in these aircraft. It was enacted to comply with international safety standards and to mitigate potential risks identified in the operation of these aircraft. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), established this directive to ensure the safe operation of these aircraft by requiring the installation of a friction lock device on the sliding stop tube, as specified in Avions Pierre Robin Mandatory Service Bulletin 137. The policy objective behind this legislation is to enhance the operational safety of the aircraft by addressing a known issue with the anti-tab control mechanism, thereby contributing to the overall safety and reliability of civil aviation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, which includes the Airworthiness Directive AD/ROBIN/23, governs the airworthiness of Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, particularly Model R 2000 and HR 200 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 250 to 271. This directive mandates compliance with Avions Pierre Robin Mandatory Service Bulletin 137, which corresponds to DGAC AD 94-183(A)R1. The directive necessitates the installation of a friction lock device on the sliding stop tube to enhance the operational reliability of the anti-tab control. Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 22 June 1995, unless the action has already been taken. This regulation applies to the specified aircraft models and serial numbers, ensuring that they meet the required safety standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 (sub-part dealing with airworthiness directives), includes a directive regarding the Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes. This directive, denoted as AD/ROBIN/23, pertains to the anti-tab control and is applicable to all Model R 2000 and HR 200 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 250 to 271. According to the directive, the requirement is to implement the action as outlined in Avions Pierre Robin Mandatory Service Bulletin 137 (section 1). The directive notes that DGAC AD 94-183(A)R1 is a relevant reference (section 2). The compliance stipulation is that these actions must be completed within 100 hours of time in service following 22 June 1995, unless already accomplished (section 3). The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Aircraft operators and owners must ensure that the mandated actions are carried out as per the directive. This includes installing a friction lock device on the sliding stop tube of the anti-tab control as per the instructions in the service bulletin. The compliance deadline is set, and operators must act within this timeframe to avoid any non-compliance issues. Additionally, these directives are intended to enhance the operating condition and safety of the aircraft, thus reinforcing the importance of timely adherence. Failing to comply with the provisions of this directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce penalties and sanctions for non-compliance. The specific penalties can vary depending on the severity of the breach, but they can include fines, suspension or revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and potential criminal charges. While the exact maximum penalties are not detailed in the directive, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is generally taken seriously under Australian aviation law, and the consequences can be significant.