Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Government, form a comprehensive regulatory framework governing aviation safety and operations across the country. Part 39, in particular, outlines the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives which ensures aircraft meet specific safety standards. The 2006 legislative instrument F2006B06643 addresses an identified issue with the Gulfstream (Rockwell) 114 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 14000 to 14499. The problem it targets is the potential for elongation of holes in the elevator and rudder hinge fittings, which could lead to cracks in the rudder spar over time. The policy objective is to mandate timely inspection and replacement of these fittings to prevent any safety risks, ensuring compliance with the regulations within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1980. This directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 concerning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all aircraft model 114 with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 14000 to 14499. This regulation mandates compliance with AD/ROCK-114/10, which pertains to the inspection and/or replacement of elevator and rudder hinge fittings in Gulfstream (Rockwell) 114 Series aeroplanes. The directive is designed to address potential safety concerns, including the elongation of holes in the hinge fittings and the development of cracks in the rudder spar that may occur during service. The directive requires compliance unless the specified actions have already been undertaken, with the requirement to complete the actions within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1980. This regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range adhere to these safety directives to maintain airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes AD/ROCK-114/10 concerning Gulfstream (Rockwell) 114 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates inspections and, if necessary, replacement of elevator and rudder hinge fittings for aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 14000 to 14499. The directive references Rockwell International's Service Letter SL-114-17.3/80 as the document detailing the required compliance (Section 39-105). The obligations imposed by AD/ROCK-114/10 require that all affected aircraft undergo an inspection of the specified hinge fittings and, if necessary, replace them to prevent any potential elongation of holes or cracks in the rudder spar. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with inspections and replacements to be completed within 100 hours of time in service after 31 March 1980, unless they have already been accomplished (Section 39-105). This ensures that all eligible aircraft meet the specified safety standards, mitigating risks associated with structural integrity. Failure to comply with AD/ROCK-114/10 can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outline penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives, which may include administrative actions against the aircraft operator, grounding of the aircraft, or other enforcement measures. The specific penalties for breach of AD/ROCK-114/10 are not detailed in the provided text, but they could include fines, suspension of operational certificates, or other regulatory sanctions as prescribed by CASA (Section 39-105). Ensuring compliance is therefore crucial to avoid potential enforcement actions and maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft.