AD/ROTAX/4 - Electronic Module With "Pi" Filter

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, was enacted by the Australian Parliament to regulate civil aviation safety within Australia. This legislation, and its subsequent amendments, are designed to ensure that all aspects of civil aviation in Australia meet safety standards. The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under this legislation, such as AD/ROTAX/4, addresses specific safety concerns associated with particular aircraft components. In this instance, AD/ROTAX/4 was introduced to tackle issues related to the electronic ignition modules in certain Rotax 912A series piston engines, which were found to be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could lead to engine performance issues or cut-outs in areas with heavy radio transmissions. The directive mandates the replacement of the affected electronic ignition module to enhance engine reliability and safety. Compliance with this directive is required by a specified deadline, ensuring that the modifications are implemented in a timely manner to mitigate any potential risks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 106, pertains to airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and applies to all 912A series engines manufactured by Rotax with serial numbers ranging from 4,076.064 to 4,380.753 inclusive. This regulatory directive mandates that the electronic ignition module part number 965 356 be replaced with part number 965 358 to mitigate the risk of engine performance degradation or cut-outs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI), particularly in areas with significant radio transmissions. Compliance with this directive is required at the next 100-hour inspection and must be completed no later than 1 March 1996. The directive extends its reach to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft engines within the Australian airspace, aligning with international standards as referenced by Austro Control (Austria) AD 84 dated 4 October 1995. The directive does not specify exclusions or exemptions, thus applying uniformly to all relevant aircraft engines within the designated serial number range.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly PART 39 - 106, address airworthiness directives for specific aircraft components. In this instance, AD/ROTAX/4 pertains to the replacement of the electronic ignition module in certain Rotax piston engines. Specifically, section 39-106 (1) mandates compliance with airworthiness directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Section 39-106 (2) specifies that the directive applies to all 912A series engines within a defined serial number range, from 4,076.064 to 4,380.753 inclusive. The requirement outlined in section 39-106 (3) is to replace the electronic ignition module part number 965 356 with part number 965 358, as per Bombardier Rotax Technical Bulletin 912-08 dated 16 August 1995. The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and specific. Operators of the affected engines must ensure that the replacement of the electronic ignition module is conducted in accordance with the technical bulletin provided by Bombardier Rotax. This directive is not only binding on the operators of the aircraft but also on any maintenance organisation that performs the required replacement. It is essential that the replacement takes place during the next 100-hour inspection, but no later than 1 March 1996. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in non-compliance with airworthiness standards, potentially rendering the aircraft unsafe for operation. Non-compliance with the provisions of this airworthiness directive can result in serious consequences. Under section 39-106 (4) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, any person who contravenes an airworthiness directive commits an offence. The penalties for such offences are significant, with potential fines and imprisonment. Specifically, for corporations, the maximum penalty can include fines of up to 21,000 penalty units, and for individuals, the maximum penalty can include fines of up to 2,100 penalty units and imprisonment for up to five years. These stringent penalties underscore the importance of adhering to airworthiness directives to ensure the safety and reliability of aviation operations.