AD/SD3-60/15 Amdt 1 - Fuselage Sealing

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, form a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of these Regulations addresses Airworthiness Directives, which are critical in maintaining and enhancing the safety standards of aircraft. The Airworthiness Directives Schedule of 1986, identified as SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes AD/SD3-60/15 Amendment 1, focuses on fuselage sealing for certain model aeroplanes, addressing a significant safety concern by mandating specific actions in line with the compliance document Shorts SB360-53-22, Revision 1. This amendment was introduced to ensure that all affected aircraft models with serial numbers SH3601 to SH3678 are compliant with the sealing requirements before 31 September 1986, thereby mitigating risks associated with fuselage integrity. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety through stringent compliance with specified engineering bulletins and directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority's AD/SD3-60/15 Amendment 1 pertains specifically to fuselage sealing for all aeroplane models within the Shorts Series 360, identified by serial numbers SH3601 to SH3678. This directive mandates compliance with Shorts Service Bulletin SB360-53-22, Revision 1, and requires that the necessary actions be completed prior to 31 September 1986. This legislative instrument applies to the specified aeroplane models, ensuring that their fuselage sealing meets the outlined safety standards. It is a Commonwealth regulation, thereby affecting entities and persons involved in the maintenance and operation of these aircraft within Australia's jurisdiction. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are explicitly stated in the text, and its application is direct, without extensions or restrictions through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/SD3-60/15 Amendment 1, mandate the sealing of fuselage sections for certain models of Short Series 60 aeroplanes. The primary requirement (s. 1) is that all models with serial numbers SH3601 to SH3678 must adhere to the action outlined in Shorts Service Bulletin SB360-53-22, Revision 1. The compliance date for this directive is before 31 September 1986 (s. 2). This means that by this date, the specified models must have completed the necessary sealing to meet safety standards. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties governed by these regulations. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the fuselage sealing is performed by authorised personnel and in accordance with the requirements set out in the Shorts Service Bulletin. The regulations also require that records of compliance be maintained and made available for inspection by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) upon request (s. 3). Failure to comply with these obligations can result in significant safety risks and potential legal repercussions. Breaching these requirements can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with Airworthiness Directives can result in penalties for both individuals and corporations. The maximum penalty for an individual is a fine of up to $16,500, and for a corporation, the penalty can be up to $82,500 (s. 4). Additionally, CASA may issue enforcement actions, including grounding of the aircraft, until compliance is achieved. Civil and criminal liability may also ensue, leading to further legal and financial ramifications for those found in breach of these regulations.