AD/SD3-60/55 - Revised Engine Limitations Label

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B06901, address a specific safety concern associated with certain Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes. This legislation was enacted to ensure that the aviation industry adheres to stringent safety standards, particularly in relation to engine limitations. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), as the enforcing body, issued this directive to rectify a recognised problem in aircraft maintenance and operations, ensuring that the public and industry stakeholders are protected from potential hazards. The directive mandates that operators of Short SD3-60 aircraft serial numbers SH3716 through SH3763 must affix a revised engine limitations label to the ditching hatch by a specified compliance date. This directive reflects the policy objective of maintaining and enhancing aviation safety by ensuring that all aircraft comply with updated technical specifications and operational standards. The legislative instrument, F2006B06901, issued by CASA, aims to bridge a safety gap identified in the operation of certain Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes. By mandating the installation of a revised engine limitations label, the regulation directly targets and mitigates potential risks associated with propeller speed tolerances. This intervention underscores the commitment to continuous safety improvements in civil aviation, ensuring that aircraft meet the highest standards of airworthiness and operational safety. The directive becomes effective from 17 June 1999, with compliance required prior to 31 July 1999, aligning with international safety standards and directives such as the CAA (UK) Airworthiness Directive 015-11-98.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes with aircraft serial numbers ranging from SH3716 through SH3763. This legislative instrument mandates the affixing of a revised engine limitations label to the ditching hatch, following the guidelines stipulated in Short Brothers Service bulletin SD360-11-23. The directive aligns with the UK Civil Aviation Authority's Airworthiness Directive 015-11-98 and requires compliance by 31 July 1999. The directive became effective on 17 June 1999, targeting the specified aircraft models to address an amendment in the propeller speed tolerance as determined by the aircraft manufacturer. The scope of this regulation is limited to the mentioned serial numbers of the Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes, ensuring safety and compliance with updated specifications within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, include the directive AD/SD3-60/55. This directive applies to Short SD3-60 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from SH3716 to SH3763. The main requirement (Section 1) is to affix a revised engine limitations label to the ditching hatch, in accordance with Short Brothers Service bulletin SD360-11-23. This requirement is aimed at reflecting the manufacturer's amendment of the propeller speed tolerance, ensuring that the aircraft's operational limits are accurately displayed. The directive imposes specific obligations on the operators and owners of the affected aircraft. Firstly, they must ensure that the revised engine limitations label is affixed to the ditching hatch of the applicable aircraft. This is a critical safety measure that must be implemented before the compliance deadline of 31 July 1999, as stated in Section 2. Additionally, Section 3 highlights that the directive became effective on 17 June 1999, meaning that operators must have been aware of and started complying with the directive from that date. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/SD3-60/55 may result in serious consequences. Section 4 of the legislation indicates that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to a range of civil and criminal penalties. These can include fines and, in severe cases, prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The exact penalties are not detailed within the directive itself but are governed by broader aviation safety regulations and can vary depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The directive references CAA (UK) Airworthiness Directive 015-11-98, which further underlines the importance of adhering to these safety measures to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.