AD/SD3-60/16 - Flight Data Recorder - Fitting of Cover

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, govern the safety and operational standards of civil aviation within Australia. One particular legislative instrument, F2006B06859, addresses an issue concerning the integrity of flight data recorders in certain model SD3-60 aeroplanes. The problem identified was the corrosion of circuit cards within the electronic section of the flight data recorder, caused by moisture, which resulted in a loss of data. This regulation aims to ensure that all model SD3-60 aeroplanes with serial numbers SH3601 to SH3677 have their flight data recorders fitted with appropriate covers to prevent moisture ingress, thus preserving the integrity of the recorded data. The policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by maintaining the reliability and accuracy of flight data, which is crucial for post-incident investigations and ongoing safety improvements.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/SD3-60/16, mandates the fitting of a cover to the Flight Data Recorder on all Short SD3-60 model aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from SH3601 to SH3677. This directive applies to all aircraft of this model and serial number range, irrespective of the operator or the nature of the flight, whether commercial or private. The regulation is intended to prevent data loss resulting from corrosion of the circuit cards caused by moisture in the electronic section of the Flight Data Recorder. The requirement for compliance is stringent, necessitating action in accordance with the Shorts S.B. SD360-31-04, and must be completed prior to 31 December 1986. This directive is part of the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing safety standards for all aviation activities within the national jurisdiction. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions outlined in this directive, indicating that all affected aircraft must comply with the specified requirements. The application of this directive may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, and the accompanying Airworthiness Directives such as AD/SD3-60/16, provide critical guidance on the maintenance and safety requirements for certain aircraft models. This directive, AD/SD3-60/16, applies to all model SD3-60 aircraft with serial numbers ranging from SH3601 to SH3677 (section 1). The directive mandates that these aircraft must be fitted with a cover for the Flight Data Recorder to prevent moisture-induced corrosion of the circuit cards in the electronic section, thereby safeguarding data integrity (section 2). This action must be taken in accordance with the specifications detailed in Shorts S.B. SD360-31-04 and must be completed prior to 31 December 1986 (section 3). The obligations imposed by this directive on the parties involved, including aircraft owners and operators, are clear and specific. They must ensure that the Flight Data Recorder on their SD3-60 aircraft is fitted with the required cover to mitigate the risk of corrosion, which can lead to loss of critical flight data (section 4). This involves adherence to the technical bulletin Shorts S.B. SD360-31-04, which provides detailed instructions on the fitting process, materials, and specifications to be met (section 5). Non-compliance with these directives can lead to serious safety issues and may result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (section 6). Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/SD3-60/16 can result in significant consequences. Civil penalties may be imposed, and the aircraft may be grounded until the required modifications are made. The potential criminal penalties for non-compliance include fines and imprisonment. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the maximum penalty for contravening these regulations can be substantial, reflecting the critical nature of the safety measures in place (section 7). Specifically, the maximum penalty for contravening these safety directives can be a fine of up to $210,000 for an individual and up to $1,050,000 for a corporation, in addition to other possible legal repercussions (section 8).