Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, form a comprehensive legal framework governing civil aviation safety and operations within Australia. One of the amendments under this regulation, F2006B06786, addresses specific issues concerning the airworthiness of the Skyvan Series 3, 3A, and 3M aeroplanes. This legislative instrument was introduced to tackle a particular safety concern where the cable connecting to the aileron automatic pilot servo motor capstan of these aircraft models had jammed between the two guide pulleys, an issue identified at Station 226. The primary objective of this amendment is to ensure that such malfunctions are prevented through mandatory inspections, thereby enhancing the overall safety of these aircraft before they can be issued a Certificate of Airworthiness. This regulation was implemented to mitigate the risk of in-flight failures by mandating a thorough inspection of the specified components on Skyvan Series aeroplanes equipped with an automatic pilot. The enactment of this directive aims to preempt potential mechanical failures, thereby safeguarding both crew and passengers. By enforcing this requirement, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority seeks to uphold stringent safety standards in line with the overarching policy objective of minimising aviation-related risks and ensuring the highest levels of airworthiness.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Skyvan Series 3, 3A, and 3M aeroplanes that are equipped with an automatic pilot system. This regulation mandates that an inspection of the aileron servo control cable be conducted to ensure its proper functioning and to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction where the cable jams between the two guide pulleys at Station 226, as outlined in Short SB 22-A59. This inspection must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, underscoring the necessity of compliance with this directive for the safe operation of these aircraft within Australian airspace and internationally. The scope of the Act is clearly defined to address a specific safety concern within a particular series of aeroplanes, and no exemptions or exclusions are specified within the regulation itself. However, further guidance or detailed procedures may be provided through subordinate instruments or related documentation to assist in the proper implementation of the safety directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), under Part 39 - 105, detail specific Airworthiness Directives (AD) that are imperative for ensuring the safety and compliance of aircraft operations within Australia. Specifically, Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series Aeroplanes are addressed in AD/SC7/10, which mandates an inspection of the automatic pilot aileron servo control cable (section 105). This directive applies to Skyvan Series 3, 3A, and 3M aeroplanes that are fitted with an automatic pilot system (section 105.1). The inspection is critical to preventing a malfunction where the cable may jam between the guide pulleys at Station 226, as previously documented in Short Service Bulletin 22-A59 (section 105.2). This inspection must be completed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness (section 105.3). Under the Civil Aviation Regulations, the primary obligation imposed on the operators of Skyvan Series 3, 3A, and 3M aeroplanes is to conduct a thorough inspection of the automatic pilot aileron servo control cable to ensure it is free from any defects or potential points of failure (section 105.4). This inspection is a regulatory requirement that must be met to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft and to comply with the stipulated safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Operators must follow the prescribed procedures outlined in the referenced Service Bulletin 22-A59 to conduct the inspection effectively and accurately (section 105.5). Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/SC7/10 can result in serious legal and safety repercussions. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 impose civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives (section 105.6). Specifically, operators who do not adhere to the mandatory inspection requirements may face substantial fines, with the maximum penalty being set out in the regulations (section 105.7). Furthermore, persistent non-compliance can lead to the suspension or revocation of the Certificate of Airworthiness, effectively grounding the aircraft until the necessary inspections are performed and compliance is achieved (section 105.8). These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained in civil aviation operations within Australia.