AD/ROBIN/31 - Airspeed Indicator

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which were enacted by the Australian Parliament, establish a comprehensive regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety, including the issuance of Airworthiness Directives. One such directive, AD/ROBIN/31, was introduced to address an identified problem with the airspeed indicators on Robin Aviation Series aeroplanes, specifically models R2160 and R2160D with certain serial numbers. The directive aims to ensure these aircraft meet the required safety standards by correcting previously miscalculated stall speeds and ensuring the use of the most current flight manuals. This Airworthiness Directive mandates specific modifications to the airspeed indicator markings and the use of an updated flight manual, effective from 15 July 1999, to mitigate safety risks associated with incorrect airspeed information.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, specifically addresses the airworthiness of Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes through Airworthiness Directive AD/ROBIN/31, which pertains to the airspeed indicator (ASI). This directive applies to Robin R2160 aeroplanes, all serial numbers, and Robin R2160D aeroplanes with serial numbers up to and including 264. The directive mandates that the ASI markings be modified according to a specified table and that the instrument static line be checked for leaks. Furthermore, it requires that the latest revision of the French DGAC approved flight manual be obtained and approved by the appropriate CASA District Office for individual aircraft. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within 100 hours of service from the effective date of this Directive or at the next maintenance release inspection, whichever comes first. This directive came into effect on 15 July 1999 and is a response to the manufacturer's acknowledgment of incorrectly calculated original stall speeds.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105, include specific directives for maintaining airworthiness, such as AD/ROBIN/31 concerning Robin Aviation Series Aeroplanes, particularly Model R2160 and R2160D aeroplanes. Section 1 of this directive mandates specific modifications and compliance measures to ensure safety and accuracy in airspeed readings. These requirements involve modifying the airspeed indicator (ASI) markings to reflect the correct operational speeds, as detailed in the table provided (section 1a), and ensuring the instrument static line is free of leaks by conducting a pitot static leak check (section 1b). Additionally, it requires obtaining the latest English language version of the French DGAC approved flight manual, inserting CASA approval pages, and having it approved by the appropriate CASA District Office (section 1c). The directive specifies the applicability to all Model R2160 aeroplanes and Model R2160D aeroplanes with serial numbers up to and including 264. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and require adherence to specific timelines and procedures. Operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the modifications to the ASI markings and the pitot static leak check are performed within 100 hours of time in service from the effective date of the directive, or at the next maintenance release inspection, whichever comes first. Similarly, the acquisition and approval of the latest flight manual must also be completed within the same timeframe (section 2). Failure to comply with these requirements within the specified period may result in the aircraft being considered non-airworthy. Failure to comply with the provisions of AD/ROBIN/31 can result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces these regulations rigorously, and non-compliance may lead to enforcement actions against the aircraft operator. Potential penalties for not adhering to the airworthiness directives can include fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications and compliance measures are undertaken. The exact penalties can vary, but under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, significant fines and imprisonment may apply for breaches of airworthiness regulations. Operators must ensure strict adherence to these directives to avoid such repercussions and maintain the safety and airworthiness of their aircraft.