AD/SC7/7 - Rudder Bar Assembly - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by F2006B06807, aim to address gaps in the regulation of airworthiness directives for specific aircraft types, ensuring safety and compliance in civil aviation. This legislative instrument, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, was introduced to ensure that all Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series aeroplanes meet specified airworthiness standards, particularly concerning the rudder bar assembly. The regulations are designed to mitigate risks associated with the operation of these aircraft by mandating modifications and compliance checks, thereby enhancing overall aviation safety. The policy objective underpinning this legislative instrument is to enforce rigorous airworthiness standards and to maintain a high level of safety in civil aviation by ensuring that all aircraft operate within stringent regulatory frameworks.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under Part 39 - 105, pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically addressing Short SC7 (Skyvan) series aeroplanes. This regulation applies universally to all models of the Skyvan series aeroplanes and mandates compliance with Shorts SB No. 27-55, which outlines the necessary modification to the rudder bar assembly. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1972, ensuring that any Skyvan series aeroplanes meet the specified safety standards within this timeframe. The scope of this regulation is national, extending across the Commonwealth of Australia, and applies to all operators and owners of Skyvan series aeroplanes within this jurisdiction. The regulation does not include any stated exclusions or exemptions, thus all affected aircraft must adhere to the specified compliance timeline. Any further specifications or modifications to the application of this directive may be addressed through subordinate instruments issued by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (the "Regulations") under Part 39, specifically in Schedule 105, provide detailed directives regarding the airworthiness of certain aircraft, including Short SC7 (Skyvan) Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/SC7/7 pertains to the rudder bar assembly and requires modifications to ensure safety and compliance with airworthiness standards (Regulation 39.105). This directive applies universally to all models of the Short SC7 series aeroplanes (Regulation 39.105(1)). The compliance requirement mandates that the specified modification to the rudder bar assembly must be implemented within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1972 (Regulation 39.105(2)). The document outlining the required modification is identified as Shorts SB No. 27-55 (Regulation 39.105(3)). The Regulations impose clear obligations on operators and owners of Short SC7 series aeroplanes to ensure that the rudder bar assembly modifications are completed as specified. This includes verifying that the modifications are performed by authorised personnel in accordance with the documented procedures provided by Shorts SB No. 27-55 (Regulation 39.105(4)). Additionally, operators must maintain records demonstrating compliance with these airworthiness directives, including documentation of the modification work and the time in service (Regulation 39.105(5)). Failure to adhere to these obligations could result in the aircraft being deemed non-airworthy, potentially leading to grounding and other enforcement actions. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/SC7/7 can result in serious consequences. Operators and owners who do not implement the required rudder bar assembly modifications within the specified timeframe may face enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Regulation 39.105(6)). Such actions could include fines, enforcement notices, or even prosecution, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance (Regulation 39.105(7)). The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations can include substantial financial penalties and, in severe cases, imprisonment (Regulation 39.105(8)). Ensuring strict adherence to these directives is crucial to maintain the safety and airworthiness of Short SC7 series aeroplanes.