AD/STRIKEMASTER/1 - Electrical Cable Loom Chafing

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended through the legislative instrument F2006B07133, addresses the specific issue of electrical cable chafing in British Aerospace Corporation (BAC) 167 Strikemaster aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislation was introduced to ensure the safety of civil aviation by preventing potential hazards arising from electrical cable damage. The policy objective is to mandate a thorough inspection, protection, and necessary repairs of the DC generating system electrical cables as specified in the British Aerospace Defence Limited, Military Aircraft Division, Company Special Technical Instruction (CSTI) dated 4 April 1995. This was in direct response to a reported incident of a short circuit in the DC generating system due to cable chafing, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures to avoid future occurrences. The directive requires compliance by 8 October 1996, aligning with the UK Civil Aviation Authority's Mandatory Permit Directive 1995-102. The regulations mandate that all BAC 167 Strikemaster aeroplanes undergo a comprehensive inspection of their electrical cables to identify and rectify any chafing or damage. This directive not only ensures adherence to safety standards but also provides a clear framework for the necessary repairs and protective measures to be implemented. By incorporating the detailed guidelines from the British Aerospace Defence Limited's CSTI, the legislation aims to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft and safeguard against electrical faults that could compromise flight safety. The directive underscores the importance of timely compliance to uphold the stringent safety protocols required in civil aviation.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, pertain to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and address the safety directives concerning certain aircraft models. This legislation applies to all British Aerospace Corporation (BAC) 167 Strikemaster aeroplanes, mandating the inspection, protection, restraint, and repair of the DC generating system electrical cables as per the British Aerospace Defence Limited, Military Aircraft Division, Company Special Technical Instruction (CSTI) Strikemaster 162 dated 4 April 1995. The directive references a report from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) detailing a short circuit due to cable chafing, which necessitates compliance with the stipulated measures. This requirement must be met prior to 8 October 1996, underscoring the urgency and importance of adhering to the safety standards set forth in the regulations. The scope of this directive is geographically limited to Australia, operating under the oversight of CASA, and does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all applicable aircraft must comply with the specified safety directives.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, outline the requirements for the airworthiness of BAe (BAC 167) Strikemaster Series Aeroplanes. Section AD/STRIKEMASTER/1 mandates the inspection, protection, restraint, and repair of DC generating system electrical cables on all BAC 167 Strikemaster aeroplanes. This directive requires compliance with British Aerospace Defence Limited's Company Special Technical Instruction (CSTI) Strikemaster 162 dated 4 April 1995, which provides detailed procedures for addressing electrical cable chafing issues, including visual examinations, repairs, and protective measures. The directive references the CAA(UK) Mandatory Permit Directive 1995-102 for additional context. The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation on the parties or entities governed by it are quite specific. Operators of BAC 167 Strikemaster aeroplanes must ensure that all applicable aircraft undergo the prescribed inspections and maintenance actions to address potential chafing of electrical cables. This involves a thorough examination of the DC generating system cables, as well as the implementation of any necessary repairs, protections, and restraints as detailed in the referenced CSTI. The aim is to prevent incidents such as short circuits that can arise from cable chafing, thereby maintaining the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the directives set out in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to significant consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed within the legislative instrument itself, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in serious civil and criminal liabilities. These may include fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft operating certificates, and potential criminal charges if the non-compliance leads to accidents or other safety incidents. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce these regulations and take appropriate action against non-compliant entities. In summary, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 - 105, establish clear requirements for the maintenance and inspection of BAC 167 Strikemaster aeroplanes to ensure electrical cable safety. These provisions necessitate adherence to specific technical instructions and impose obligations on aircraft operators to perform necessary inspections and repairs. The consequences of failing to comply with these directives can be severe, encompassing both civil and criminal penalties, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to these safety regulations.