AD/SD3-30/14 Amdt 1 - Electrical Power Line Contactor Bodies

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, contains the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. This regulatory framework, enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, aims to ensure that civil aircraft operating within Australian airspace meet the required safety standards. One such directive is AD/SD3-30/14, which addresses the problem of electrical power line contactor bodies in the Short SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to address the issue of insufficient insulation on contactor bodies, which had been identified as a safety concern through in-service experience. The policy objective behind AD/SD3-30/14 is to mandate modifications to the electrical power line contactor bodies in Short SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes, ensuring they meet specified safety requirements. The directive requires modifications to be completed within specific timeframes, with compliance to be achieved either within 300 hours of time in service after 31 March 1984 for certain contactors, or before 30 April 1987 for others, as outlined in the associated Shorts Service Bulletins No. SD3-24-18 and SD330-24-21. This legislative instrument ensures that the identified safety issues are addressed through industry-specific guidance and mandated timelines, thus contributing to the overall safety of civil aviation in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to all models of SD3-30 series aeroplanes, as outlined in the Requirement Documents. The regulation mandates modifications to the electrical power line contactor bodies to enhance safety, particularly in relation to the insulation of the contactor bodies, as per Shorts Service Bulletins No. SD3-24-18 and SD330-24-21. Compliance with this directive is required within specific timeframes: modifications must be completed within 300 hours of time in service following 31 March 1984 for Para 1, and before 30 April 1987 for Para 2. This regulation has a direct impact on the aviation industry, specifically on operators of SD3-30 series aeroplanes, ensuring adherence to safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The regulation extends nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforceable under the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The scope of the regulation is not limited by any stated exclusions or exemptions within the directive itself, although further clarification may be provided through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, Section 39.105, address the maintenance and safety requirements for aeroplanes in Australia. This particular regulation, SD3-30 Series Aeroplanes AD/SD3-30/14 Amendment 1, pertains to the modification of electrical power line contactor bodies to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Section 11/86 applies to all models SD3-30 as outlined in the Requirement Documents, mandating specific modifications to the electrical power line contactor bodies. These modifications are required to ensure the insulation of the contactor bodies, thereby reducing the risk of electrical hazards. The obligations under this regulation are clear and specific. For Paragraph 1, compliance is required within 300 hours of time in service after 31 March 1984. For Paragraph 2, modifications must be completed before 30 April 1987. The modifications are to be made in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin No. SD3-24-18 for Paragraph 1 and Shorts Service Bulletin No. SD330-24-21 for Paragraph 2. The requirement is for all relevant models of SD3-30 aeroplanes to adhere to these modifications to ensure compliance with safety standards. Failure to comply with these directives can result in severe consequences. Section 39.105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 outlines that non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can lead to civil penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can be significant, including fines and potential criminal charges. Such penalties serve as a deterrent to non-compliance and ensure that all operators adhere strictly to the safety requirements laid out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of adhering to the specified modification schedules and guidelines provided in the relevant service bulletins.