AD/SM-260/11 - Battery Container - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), enacted by the Australian Parliament, are a comprehensive set of rules governing all aspects of civil aviation in Australia. These regulations, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), were designed to address safety concerns and ensure the efficient operation of civil aviation within Australia. One particular aspect covered by these regulations is the issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) to ensure aircraft are maintained in a safe condition. AD/SM-260/11 pertains specifically to the SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes, targeting the inspection and modification of battery containers for certain model F.260C aircraft with specific serial numbers. This directive was introduced to mitigate risks associated with battery container failures, ensuring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1979. The policy objective behind such specific directives is to maintain the highest safety standards in the civil aviation sector by mandating regular inspections and necessary modifications to prevent potential hazards.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/SM-260/11, applies to the SIAI Marchetti 260 Series aeroplanes, more precisely the model F.260C with serial numbers ranging from 23-01 to 23-22, as well as 302, 303, 304, and 305. This legislative instrument is applicable within the Commonwealth of Australia, under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and is aimed at ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models. Compliance with this directive is mandatory, requiring inspection and modification of the battery container within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1979. The directive references the SIAI Marchetti SB No. 260B30 or the RAI AD No. 28-224/F260-24 for further guidance on the required modifications. The scope of this legislation is specifically targeted at these aircraft models and does not extend to other types or series of aircraft unless explicitly stated through subordinate instruments or amendments.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, outlines the Airworthiness Directives for the SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes, detailing critical maintenance and safety requirements. AD/SM-260/11 focuses on the battery container for certain models, particularly the F.260C with specific serial numbers (Section 2/79). Compliance with this directive necessitates an inspection and possible modification of the battery container, as per the specified documentation: either SIAI Marchetti SB No. 260B30 or RAI AD No. 28-224/F260-24 (Section 1). The directive mandates that these compliance actions must be completed within 100 hours of the aeroplane's time in service after 28 February 1979 (Section 2/79). Operators and owners of the affected SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes are obligated to adhere to the inspection and modification requirements set forth in the directive. This includes conducting thorough checks on the battery container to ensure it meets the specified safety standards, as detailed in the referenced documentation (Section 1). Failure to comply with these requirements within the stipulated timeframe may result in the aeroplane being deemed non-airworthy, which could lead to operational restrictions or grounding of the aircraft until the necessary actions are taken (Section 2/79). Breach of the Airworthiness Directives, including the failure to inspect and modify the battery container as required, can lead to significant consequences. Operators may face civil penalties, including fines, as well as potential criminal charges if the non-compliance results in safety hazards or accidents. The severity of the penalties can vary, but they are intended to enforce strict adherence to safety regulations and ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft (Section 2/79). In extreme cases, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may revoke the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, leading to more severe operational consequences.