AD/SM-260/5 - Carburettor Air Intake Box and Engine Cowling Drain Holes - Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which form part of Australia's regulatory framework for civil aviation, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel within the country. One of the legislative instruments issued under these regulations is the Airworthiness Directive AD/SM-260/5, which was introduced to address specific safety concerns related to the SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes. The directive targets particular models and serial numbers, requiring modifications to the carburettor air intake box and engine cowling drain holes to mitigate potential safety risks. This directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aims to ensure that the specified modifications are carried out within a specified timeframe to maintain the airworthiness of the affected aircraft. The overarching policy objective is to enhance aviation safety by addressing known issues proactively.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, encompass the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, which are critical in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. One such directive, AD/SM-260/5, pertains to the SIAI Marchetti 260 Series Aeroplanes, applying to Models F260 and F260B with specific serial numbers within the range of 101 to 125, 2-26 to 2-49, and 502, with certain exclusions. This directive mandates modifications to the carburettor air intake box and engine cowling drain holes to ensure compliance with safety standards. The directive is applicable within 100 hours of time in service after its issuance date of 28 April 1972. The scope of the directive is precise, targeting particular aircraft models and serial numbers, and it operates under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, extending to all relevant operators and entities within its territory. This legislative instrument is pivotal in maintaining the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models, ensuring that they meet the regulatory standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically address the airworthiness directives related to certain SIAI Marchetti 260 series aeroplanes. Section 39-105 focuses on modifications required for the carburettor air intake box and engine cowling drain holes of the SIAI Marchetti F260 and F260B models with specific serial numbers. According to section AD/SM-260/5, these modifications must be carried out within 100 hours of time in service after 28 April 1972 for the specified models and serial numbers, as outlined in SIAI Marchetti SB No. 260B9. The modifications are crucial to ensure compliance with safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The obligations imposed by the regulations are clear and specific. Operators of the affected SIAI Marchetti F260 and F260B models must ensure that the modifications to the carburettor air intake box and engine cowling drain holes are performed by certified personnel and in accordance with the detailed instructions provided in SIAI Marchetti SB No. 260B9. This includes verifying that the serial numbers of the aircraft fall within the specified ranges and excluding those that do not meet the criteria. Compliance with these directives is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the specified timelines and procedures could result in significant safety risks. Breaches of these airworthiness directives can lead to serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, non-compliance with airworthiness directives is considered an offence. The penalties for such breaches can include substantial fines and potential imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight of the aircraft. Additionally, operators may face operational restrictions or even grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed and verified by CASA. The seriousness of these consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to the provisions outlined in section AD/SM-260/5 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.