COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Short SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SD3-60/47 Diode Inspection and Adjustment 3/98
Applicability: All Shorts SD3-60 Aircraft.
Requirement: Inspect and check torque setting of diodes (6F40) on panels 1C, 2C, 12P, 27C and 51C in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-39-04 dated 25 September 1997.
Note: UK CAA AD 008-09-97 refers.
Compliance: No later than 26 May 1998.
This airworthiness directive becomes effective on 26 February 1998.
Background: The UK CAA has reported that this action is required because diodes have been found loose and overheating on board 27C.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. The legislative instrument F2006B06893, specifically AD/SD3-60/47, was introduced to address the problem of loose and overheating diodes on the Shorts SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes. The objective of this airworthiness directive is to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft by requiring inspections and adjustments of the diodes on specified panels, as outlined in the Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-39-04. This directive is applicable to all Shorts SD3-60 Aircraft and must be complied with by 26 May 1998, becoming effective from 26 February 1998. The policy objective of the Civil Aviation Regulations is to maintain the highest possible standards of safety in civil aviation.
The airworthiness directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in response to a safety concern identified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). CASA, as the enforcing body, ensures that all applicable aircraft comply with the specified requirements to prevent potential safety issues. The directive aims to mitigate risks associated with loose and overheating diodes, which could compromise the aircraft's electrical systems and overall safety.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all Shorts SD3-60 aircraft, mandating that inspections and adjustments of the diodes (6F40) on specific panels must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines set by the Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-39-04 dated 25 September 1997. This directive is in response to findings by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that these diodes have been discovered loose and overheating on board 27C. The regulation stipulates that this airworthiness directive is effective as of 26 February 1998 and compliance is required no later than 26 May 1998. The directive is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby applying a national reach throughout Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this directive, and it is complemented by UK CAA AD 008-09-97, which reinforces the urgency and standards of compliance for the affected aircraft.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39, mandate the inspection and adjustment of diodes on Shorts SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, Airworthiness Directive AD/SD3-60/47 (section 1) requires an inspection and torque setting check of specific diodes (6F40) on designated panels of these aircraft. The directive refers to Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-39-04 dated 25 September 1997 and UK CAA AD 008-09-97 for further guidance (section 2). Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be completed by 26 May 1998 (section 3). The directive became effective on 26 February 1998 (section 4).
The obligations imposed by this Act on the operators of Shorts SD3-60 Series Aeroplanes include conducting a thorough inspection of the specified diodes and ensuring their torque settings are correctly adjusted. The inspection and adjustment must be performed in accordance with the guidance provided by Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-39-04 and UK CAA AD 008-09-97. The operators must ensure that this inspection and adjustment are completed no later than the specified date of 26 May 1998. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in safety issues and potential non-compliance with airworthiness standards.
Failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in AD/SD3-60/47 may result in serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enforces strict compliance with airworthiness directives to maintain safety standards in civil aviation. Non-compliance with these directives can lead to penalties, including fines, and may result in the grounding of the affected aircraft until the required inspections and adjustments are completed. The maximum penalties for non-compliance are not specified in the directive but can be severe under the broader provisions of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Additionally, failure to comply with airworthiness directives can result in civil or criminal liability for the operators, potentially leading to legal action by CASA or other regulatory authorities.
The specific consequences of non-compliance may include administrative penalties, such as fines or suspension of operating permits, and could also involve criminal charges if the non-compliance results in significant safety hazards or accidents. Operators are therefore strongly advised to adhere to the directive's requirements to avoid these potential legal and financial repercussions. It is crucial that operators ensure all relevant personnel are adequately trained and that the necessary inspections and adjustments are conducted in a timely and thorough manner to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.